The Academic Excellence Workshop at California State Polytechnic University (Pomona) has greatly improved performance and persistence of women and Latino science, mathematics, and engineering majors taking calculus, the crucial gateway course. This suggests persistence and success are more related to college classroom experiences and expectations…

Lists summer positions offered by various public agencies, corporations, and universities for high school, college and graduate students. Positions include internships, employment, and cooperative educational opportunities. Includes a brief description, required prerequisites, deadline and requirements for application, and contact person. Some…

Describes two recently completed projects at Utah State University which have provided marked improvement to the preparation of prospective secondary science teachers. The projects focused on cognitive psychology and conceptual change teaching and construction and furnishing of a new secondary science teacher preparation laboratory. (LZ)

Describes strategies used to improve students' reading achievement in a New York elementary school: Hire the best teachers; train office staff members to support teachers; assign teachers based on needs; observe teachers in reading; design a staff development program; develop a reading action plan; use the existing research; involve students and…

The self-study process at St. Edward's University (Texas) is described. Features examined include its five focal areas (technology, knowledge explosion, experiential learning, multiculturalism, and values), involvement of both the campus and external communities in the self-study, and the vision of a redesigned university that resulted from the…

Describes programs in place at LaGuardia Community College which meet the needs of first-generation students, including alternative high schools; programs in critical thinking, speech and communication, and neighborhood history; and a partnership with Vassar College to enhance transfer opportunities. (DMM)

Presents the course outline and model of teacher change utilized by the Active and Reflective Teaching in Secondary Mathematics professional development program designed to introduce teachers to current developments in the teaching and training of mathematics. A case study is reported that illustrates and substantiates the initial process of…

The design of a University of Hartford (Connecticut) decision-support information system for college advancement programs is detailed, specific research and management applications are examined, and the analyses and reports generated by the system are discussed. Early collaboration between institutional researchers and advancement and alumni…

Educating for Success, an instructional program designed to enhance college student self-esteem through analysis of personal successes and strengths, values identification, conflict management, and positive reinforcement was validated with 394 first-year college students in experimental and control groups. Results showed significant improvement of…

Orientation for first-year college students is important for students, parents, and the institution. It should fit institutional traditions, values, and culture, involve parents, be staffed by well-trained current students, and be carefully evaluated for improvement. Mississippi State University's program focuses on retention and is festive,…

Describes a 12-unit teacher-developed secondary education program that seeks to reverse the common bias against gays through information, support groups, and school-community programs. Describes the program's success in a Cambridge (Massachusetts) school. Provides teaching tips for addressing sexuality and a list of resources. (JB)

A movement in designing special education curricula in Illinois is to provide instruction in "natural community environments," including simulated and real job sites. Special education vocational programs have shifted emphasis toward a life-skills approach that incorporates vocational elements. Describes an Illinois curriculum model…

Baylor College of Medicine (Texas) conducts a variety of summer enrichment and other programs to improve how science is presented to students from elementary grades through college. These efforts entail close collaboration between medical college administration, Texas public school teachers, and college and university faculty. (Author/MSE)

A program at Rutgers University (New Jersey) to integrate information literacy into first-year composition courses involved librarians and faculty. The pilot project included two research seminars within each course. Evaluation of the project revealed a successful basic strategy, useful techniques and elements, and some areas for adaptation and…

Discusses the development, implementation and implications of the Parent Assisted Reading Program at the Sunrise School in northern Utah which serves half-day kindergarten children. This program was designed to increase volunteer participation by parents in early (storybook) reading activities in the schools. (BB)