Data from 72 adults in British university preparation (access) courses showed extreme levels of trait anxiety associated with lower final examination performance. Certain study and coping methods were correlated with final exam scores. Test anxiety was significantly correlated with trait anxiety but not with exam performance. (SK)

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be a helpful tool for enabling returning adult students to know themselves and for enhancing student development. It should be used appropriately as part of a comprehensive plan for holistic academic advising. (SK)

A survey of 395 returning adult male students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs found their primary motivations to be career related; 85% felt able to balance roles; some had child care issues and most felt they had social and family support networks. Major concerns involved scheduling difficulties, financial aid, and juggling family and…

A study of advertising and recruitment for adult education in Denmark, Italy, Germany, England, Scotland, and Spain revealed that adult participation is shaped by access to program information. Decentralized, community-based information systems, publicity that helps overcome negative stereotypes and past schooling experiences, and high-quality…

In interviews, nontraditional colleges students defined themselves against the stereotype of traditional-age entrants. They tended to choose subjects about which they had some knowledge. Women especially had difficulty balancing conflicting life demands. A need for change in the culture of higher education was identified. (SK)

Examines Colorado's Second Chance Pilot Program for Dropouts, designed to reduce the number of dropouts through Second Chance Centers giving students the opportunity to complete requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Although limited in success, the program provides a model for the funding of alternative schools. (SLD)

Interviews with 20 women returning to study in Zimbabwe reveal how they are hindered by gender expectations of their sociocultural milieu. Efforts to remove discrimination are frustrated both by a male-dominated society and by some women's acceptance of the situation. (SK)

In this update, Linton reports on Congressional filing of a number of bills that involve the topic of prisoner reentry. In addition, he presents a key section of Attorney General John Ashcroft's address (Cleveland, Ohio, September 2004) on prisoner reentry. In this speech, Ashcroft called for a concerted effort to managing a balanced approach:…

Despite the large and growing numbers of adult women enrolled in college programs in this country today, there have been few attempts to identify and analyze the underlying psychosocial issues which propel women onto campuses as "nontraditional" students or the personal changes they experience as a result. This study examined the relationship…

A study examined the barriers encountered by returning adult students and the potential change of those barriers over time. The 43 students constituting the survey population were enrolled in the graduate programs of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Students had to be…

School personnel who play a significant role in the life of a child face challenges when they encounter the non-medical aspects of coping with a life-threatening illness in a child. Advances in treatment of cancer have resulted in longer survival. When working with students who have cancer, school personnel should stress hope rather than despair.…

This factsheet considers dropping out of school from the dropout's point of view: reasons for dropping out, life after leaving school, and the dropouts' own evaluation of their decision to leave school. It identifies a dislike of school, low academic achievement, and a desire to work as key reasons for dropping out. Thirteen resource documents are…

Describes a "Second Chance Program" offering adult learners the opportunity to reenter the educational environment on a part-time basis at the University of Lowell in Massachusetts. A high school diploma or certificate of equivalency is the only requirement. Informative interviews are offered. Support and individualized attention are…

This study focused on the adjustments nontraditional female students who return to college must make in order to complete their studies. The study examined the influence of a 3-hour orientation program for such students to see of the seminar would increase the coping skills and decrease the anxiety levels of nontraditional female students, most of…

This bulletin is designed to shed light on successful strategies for reintegrating youth from juvenile justice system settings into the educational mainstream and to guide youth-serving professionals toward promising programs, practices, and resources. The Intensive Aftercare Program, funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency…