In 1999, 157,800 overseas students studied in universities, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, schools, and other education and training organizations in Australia. Some 20 percent of all overseas students undertook VET programs; of these, 55 percent were enrolled with providers in the public VET sector. The majority of overseas…

The aim of this study was to look at the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) data for 10th graders from 1998 and investigate whether these differences were significant when using the mathematics and science achievement scores. In addition, the variables of socioeconomic status, gender, and types of courses taken in mathematics and…

High schools have traditionally focused on preparing students for entry-level jobs or for postsecondary education. Recently, federal legislation (e.g., 1990 and 1998 Perkins Acts) has encouraged a more integrated approach for all students, one that maintains college entry as a viable option while also providing a stronger foundation in work skills…

Some of the things parents can do to prepare Canadian high school students for success in college are outlined. Helping students prepare for a university education is very important at this time because of new job skill requirements, a potential shortage of university teachers in Canada that may reduce the number of students admitted to college,…

The SAT I: Reasoning Test actually predicts how well females will do in college better than it predicts for males. Results from validity studies that have been conducted with hundreds of colleges and universities and examined by ETS and external researchers consistently confirm that the SAT correlation with both freshman GPA and individual course…

A study of 4,687 White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic students at four highly selective colleges found Blacks often entered with strong science interest but had the highest attrition from sciences; Asians had the lowest attrition rate, and Whites and Hispanics neared the average rate of 40%. Ability and achievement variables were also studied. (MSE)

School dropout rates for two consecutive years (1985-86 and 1986-87) for all California regular public high schools are examined in conjunction with the percentage of students covered by Aid to Families with Dependent Children, total enrollment, achievement, and academic course enrollments. Higher achievement was associated with lower dropout…

Investigates the attitudes of high school students (grades 11 and 12) toward physics and physics teaching including reasons for taking or not taking physics and reasons for considering or not considering a career in physics teaching. Provides frequency tables of responses to the questions. (YP)

Course-taking patterns and achievement were studied among high school seniors in six states (1980) and two states (1982), using High School and Beyond and College Entrance Examination Board data. The more time spent in academic courses, the higher the academic achievement. Disparities among states have consequences for achievement. (SLD)

Examines patterns of course selection among African American female students in St. Louis public high schools from 1914 to 1930, the period of transition to a differentiated high school curriculum. Finds that the differentiated curriculum resulted in gender segregation across courses of study and supported the racial division of labor within the…

The summer course selections of approximately 1,500 gifted middle school students were examined. Factors influencing course selection included gender, race, ability, previous educational experiences, interests, and parental attitudes. Parental attitudes appeared to have a major influence in the selection of math and science courses for both males…

Examines the arguments that students should determine their own curriculum. Reviews the case for student autonomy based on philosophical anarchism and Immanuel Kant's views on autonomy. Argues that curriculum should be a result of the shared autonomy of students and teachers. (CFR)

Presents study results comparing psychology graduates with graduates in other areas. Includes comparisons of high school interests, grades, and achievement measures. Concludes that psychology graduates exhibited vocational interests in artistic, general cultural, scientific, and service areas. Reports that psychology majors had similar interests…

Recent Canadian studies of gender differences in science achievement suggest that science achievement, attitudes, and participation are interrelated. Also noted is a female focus on getting the right answer rather than understanding the process. Participation differences among provinces and between English and French speakers are discussed.…

Comparison of 529 Ohio rural twelfth graders (69 percent response) and 266 from Georgia (83 percent response) revealed differences in gender; ethnicity; parental socioeconomic status, educational level, and expectations; occupational choice; income expectation; and plans for postsecondary education. Georgia students had higher income and…