Sees need for systematic approach that integrates efforts from both student and academic affairs to provide comprehensive educational experience for development of the whole student. Describes program that combines theory, resources, and interests of both academic and student affairs in strategies designed for academically at-risk first-year…

Describes the strategies and interventions of an Auburn University (Alabama) program designed to aid in retention of at-risk African-American male students and foster skills needed to enter college. Components include mentoring, workshops, and a summer sports program. (Author/MSE)

Current school reform efforts aim to increase the numbers of students who graduate from high school and go on to pursue postsecondary education or training. In this article, the authors look at seven types of career exploration programs to determine if this is an effective approach for accomplishing these goals.

Dual enrollment programs enable high school students to enroll in college courses and earn college credit. Once limited to high-achieving students, such programs are increasingly seen as a means to support the postsecondary preparation of average-achieving students and students in career and technical education (CTE) programs. This report seeks to…

In 2003, MDRC and a consortium of funders launched the Opening Doors demonstration to test reforms in six community colleges aimed at helping students stay in school and earn credentials. This report presents early results from the Opening Doors program at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. The program provided intensive advising and…

In California today, many licensed early care and education (ECE) programs--and a large number of license-exempt providers--receive public dollars to care for children of low-income families. While, a generation ago, the term "subsidized child care" carried a very specific meaning, referring to certain forms of center-based care that…

Higher education plays an increasingly important role in helping individuals attain social and economic success. Yet, despite decades of financial aid policy, substantial gaps in college access remain by income level and race. One major impediment to increasing college enrollment among low-income students is the lack of information about financial…

Background: The prediction and explanation of academic performance and the investigation of the factors relating to the academic success and persistence of students are topics of utmost importance in higher education. Aims: The main aim of the present study is to develop and test a conceptual framework in a university context, where the effects of…

This exploratory study examined the impacts of New York's Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK) program as perceived by directors at child care centers and preschools not receiving state funds. Although only partially implemented, UPK's mixed-delivery system grants monies to a substantial number of qualifying community-based early care and education…

This study attempted to decipher what happens to African American students during their sophomore year to make them disenchanted with their academic experience in their subsequent years and tested whether a supportive mentoring relationship can be developed over the telephone. Fulltime African American students (N=27) entering their second year…

This report examines key elements of effective new teacher assessment and support, reviews southeastern states' progress in developing quality induction programs, and offers recommendations for action. More dollars are being invested in new teachers than ever before, and some states have markedly increased the quantity of new teacher support…

Community colleges are designed to be open-door institutions, and they enroll a much wider variety of students than baccalaureate granting colleges. Community colleges have always played a crucial role in providing access to college. During the last decade, however, educators and policy makers have shifted their attention to the success of…

Analysis of effects of different student financial aid types on year-to-year persistence of high school seniors of 1980 found social and educational background had differential effects at different points in the college experience, college experiences were influential, student aid had a positive effect on persistence, and loans promoted…

Studies the effects of explicitly teaching a problem-solving strategy on problem-solving ability, course average, course success, and student retention, focusing on two microeconomics courses. Indicates that teaching problem solving helps students with low problem-solving skills remain in class and succeed. (DMM)

Surveyed college administrators, faculty, support staff, and students (total n=211) to assess retention efforts at small college. Found both differences and similarities among groups. Findings suggest that progress has been made in improving retention efforts. Results revealed that respondents did not always perceive close relationship between…