Research into higher education is an expanding field, but it is notable that, while certain kinds of research get funded, undertaken and reported, others generally do not. Thus, articles that critique developing national policies are commonplace, as are reports evaluating the positive effects of innovations in course design or institutional…

This article reports that more colleges are dropping the SAT as a requirement for admission and, in many cases, these institutions are attracting a larger and more diverse pool of applicants. According to the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest), 740 schools have made the SATs optional. The list includes some of the nation's most…

The Rostrum is a quarterly publication of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) The Need for full Time faculty (again) by Jane Patton; (2) Reading May Be the Key to Unlocking Basic Skills Success by Janet Fulks; (3) Diversity Institute on the Right Track by Beth Smith; (4)…

Describes successful outcomes of the Travelers Aid programs for homeless people in Rhode Island--the Learning Center, Street Voices publications, and OASIS project for runaway youth. Discusses the potential impact of the termination of the federal Adult Education for the Homeless program. (SK)

Describes how the budgetary decision to eliminate a venerable teaching center at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln raises questions about public colleges' commitment to pedagogy. (EV)

Academic program closure is explored and student advising needs that emerged in 3 stages of program decline and discontinuation are identified. Data from interviews and advising communication of 20 graduate students enrolled in a master of education program targeted for discontinuation were qualitatively analyzed within a framework of an…

The author identifies the relationship between the life cycle of adult training programs and their importance and practical application. This allows training programs to be prioritized and appropriate strategies to be identified. (CH)

A survey of 86 union representatives in worksites with employee participation programs was followed 3 years later with a survey of 66 reps and 49 corresponding managers. Only 20-30% of the programs failed, although management and union opinions differed. Union reps attributed failure to poor labor relations and were more likely than management to…

Like dot.com businesses, electronic learning ventures in the training industry are experiencing a shakeout. Those that survive must focus on providing compelling, innovative programs with enticing learning material that will keep people online. (JOW)

For half a century, merit pay for teachers has been intensely debated in school systems of various sizes and in virtually every state in the nation. Yet current data on the extent to which merit pay and incentives are actually used in education have not been available. To help fill this void, Educational Research Service conducted the most…

The article reports on the findings of a comparative case study of six projects that operated in Israel between 1980 and 2000. The study findings identify characteristics of the programs, the host organizations, and the social and political environment, which differentiated programs that are sustained from those that are not. The findings reaffirm…

The importance and use of data and information to make sound programmatic decisions are receiving increased attention as state and federal funding for public health programs grows tighter and as demands for accountability continue. This dissertation provides insight into fundamental questions regarding the utilization of a Web-based reporting…

The author describes a successful fight to save the Lincoln division of the College of Nursing and the entire College of Pharmacy at the University of Nebraska. (CT)

Discusses how the collapse of online learning enterprises at several colleges and universities offers lessons for all in this still-promising field. (EV)

Describes the bold but successful steps taken by Champlain College to ensure institutional survival, such as eliminating 15 departments and clearly defining institutional mission. (EV)