This chapter provides a brief retrospective on the general topic and the empirical work presented in this volume, as well as a discussion of the practical implications of these findings for high schools, institutions of higher education, and the current workforce.

In response to the national push to raise academic performance of all students, most states have adopted policies designed to raise academic standards, monitor progress toward those standards, and hold schools and students responsible for attaining them. Given the complex nature of the educational process, these policies are likely to have mixed…

A total of 283 students at Fassett Middle School in Oregon, Ohio, a suburban, middle-class city were surveyed about their attitudes toward foreign language study in high school. The participants were 151 male and 132 female students in grade 6 (87), grade 7 (104), and grade 8 (92). The objective was to determine whether or not the middle school…

This report is one of a series produced by the National Center for Improving Science Education. The Center synthesizes and translates the findings, recommendations, and perspectives embodied in recent and forthcoming studies and reports in order to develop practical resources for policymakers and practitioners. Toward achieving the High School…

International comparisons show that U.S. students perform well in reading, less well in science, and more poorly still in mathematics. Researchers have found that several factors in combination appear responsible for the complex pattern of achievement, and no quick fix appears available for problem areas. Research suggests that it is quality and…

This document reports the findings of a study designed to identify vocational education cross-credit offerings in Connecticut's comprehensive high schools; the policies and procedures regarding cross-credit courses there; and exemplary vocational education cross-credit courses in the state. An introduction describes a survey conducted late in 1988…

The effects of higher requirements for high school graduation on patterns of participation in secondary education among high school graduates and different patterns of course-taking among college-bound and non-college-bound students from 1969 to 1987 were studied. Data sets were from four national studies on high school students: (1) the…

During each semester of fiscal year (FY) 1990, a survey was conducted of enrollees in telecourses at Howard Community College. The purpose of the study was to assist program planners in understanding the motivations, enrollment and viewing patterns, demographics, and goals of students who enroll in telecourses. Survey responses were obtained from…

Asserts that the primary goal of economics education is to help students understand the economic world around them and make more informed personal and social decisions. Reviews comparative studies of economic education and student achievement in the United States, Japan, Germany, Austria, Australia, and the United Kingdom. (CFR)

This report presents information about the types of courses 2005 high school graduates took during high school, how many credits they earned, and the grades they received. Information on the relationships between high school records and performance in mathematics and science on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is also…

In this article, the author discusses AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a program that enrolls the students who are most frequently marginalized in rigorous classes to prepare them for postsecondary education. The best predictor of success or failure in postsecondary education is the intensity and quality of secondary school…

The purpose of this report is to provide information on the outcomes of the Intervention for College Attendance Program, a program of competitive grants awarded to postsecondary institutions, professional organizations, and community-based organizations. Prior to the 2008-09 biennium, the program focused on provision of college awareness and the…

Students with disabilities represent a relatively small but important group of students in U.S. high schools. The education of these students is heavily influenced by federal and state law as well as by longstanding beliefs about the purpose of education and the extreme heterogeneity of the population. Until recently, general educational policies…

This report provides a normative profile of the American college freshman population for the fall of 1992 obtained from a national survey of 213,630 students from 404 of the nation's two- and four-year colleges and universities. The normative data presented are reported separately for men and women. The major stratifying factors are institutional…

This study sought to locate excellent readers and excellent reading courses among majors and courses chosen by college freshmen at three postsecondary institutions: a private, residential, suburban, four-year liberal arts college with religious affiliation; a two-year public (commuter) community college outside the same metropolitan area; and an…