Reports a survey that indicates approximately half of U.S. political science departments offer an introductory course in urban politics and that enrollments have remained steady, although the course's popularity has declined since the 1970s. Discusses textbooks used and course objectives, revealing a shift from a reformist orientation to…

A study examined whether factors that differentiate science and nonscience majors translate into meaningful predictors of majoring in science. Questionnaires were administered to 121 science majors and 160 social science majors at a Canadian university. Only 7 of the 12 factors that differentiated science and social science majors were important…

A study involving 1,523 students (grades 6-8) investigated the validity and internal consistency alpha reliability of My Class Activities, an instrument used to measure students' perceptions of classroom interests, challenges, choice, and enjoyment. Confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory, and alpha reliability information supported…

This chapter addresses how critical choices in the math and science pipeline can be traced back to adolescents' self-concepts of abilities and values at the beginning of high school. (Contains 3 figures.)

The role of testing in determining college admissions and the impact of that testing on high school students are commanding increasing attention. There is emerging evidence that admissions decisions made solely on the basis of high school record can serve the college as well or better than decisions based, at least in part, on scores obtained on…

This report explores the development of modular education and its application in the Dutch Open University. The origins of modular education are examined from the first applications in American higher education and the development of electives and the credit system to the role of modular instruction as the basis of higher education curriculum.…

This document discusses an investigation describing attitudes about school for a national sample of academically talented seventh graders. In particular, it considered how much students liked selected school subjects and how much they thought they would like particular college majors. The purpose of the study was to compare the attitudes of males…

Some minority and female students traditionally have not been given the help they need to enroll and succeed in mathematics and science classes. Now, however, a variety of approaches are available to give these students the extra attention they need. Parents can help children develop an interest in science and mathematics by: (1) identifying role…

This report contains data from "The Condition of Education 1996" on issues that are central to the process of work preparation: course-taking patterns among high school and postsecondary students, student experience as it relates to preparation for entry into the labor force, and adult involvement in education and training while employed. Some of…

This paper explores the role of self discovery in the early stages of caregiver professional development, with a focus on the array of choices available to university students. The assumption is that many people do not know their repertoire of skills until asked to complete a project requiring those skills; thus, "the heart of becoming a…

This booklet identifies the minimum entrance requirements necessary for college admission in South Dakota's public universities and recommends specific content for each course in the curriculum, as well as additional experiences and skills that would smooth the transition to a higher education course. The following topics, targeted to students…

This study summarizes the results of a student survey that was conducted at Scottsdale Community College Airpark Campus (Arizona) in February 1999, in order to gather students' employment information and to ascertain their preferences for courses, college services, and other market-related data that could be used later in planning for course and…

This guide is designed for student advisors in the United States who are counseling students preparing for a period of study in a fully integrated higher education program in France. The guide covers aspects of the French educational system including the French higher education system, university and academic life, course selection and credit…

This study examines the effects of increased mathematics and social studies requirements for high school graduation on at-risk students. Information was analyzed from the following sources for five high schools in California and two high schools in Georgia: (1) teacher surveys; (2) student surveys; (3) interviews with administrators; (4) student…

This study examined how high schools made decisions about which courses to offer and which courses were appropriate for various students. During year 1, researchers visited three senior high schools in a major West Coast urban center to observe, study school documents, and talk with educators and students about curriculum offerings and student…