Mature women are returning to colleges and universities in ever-increasing numbers. These women have special goals and special needs and it is essential that institutions of higher education respond to these needs. The problems faced by the older woman student are numerous and may be characterized as either institutional or personal. Institutional…

This study describes the special needs of women returning to school after an interruption for marriage or employment. One hundred-fifty questionnaires were distributed during 1975 at Fresno City College in California; 90 were returned, of which 82 were usable. Eight problems, in order of importance, identified by returning women were: shortage of…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a personal growth support group on the personal effectiveness (or "self-efficacy") of a small group of returning female community college students. Those who participated in the study were women over the age of 25 who were attending college for the first time or were returning to college…

Discusses the problems of women who return to college late in life, and the developmental tasks they face. Suggests student personnel staff be aware of their different motivations, assets, problems, and changing roles. Reports two case studies illustrating the particular problems these students present. (JAC)

The University without Walls (UWW) program at Loretto Heights College is described. It emphasizes individualized programs and degree requirements based on a learner-centered approach to education. It is argued that such an approach, drawing on a wide array of learning resources and giving credit for experiential learning, can successfully meet…

Traces the patterns of wage premiums for college graduates since 1963. Also examines the wage differentials between high school dropouts and graduates, and between college dropouts and graduates. The dramatic rise in the wage premium is due to the huge increase in the demand for college-trained workers. (Author/BJV)

Evaluating children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in order to facilitate their transition to school is reviewed. A process-oriented approach to assessing TBI children during rehabilitation is suggested. The major areas of functioning important to school reentry are discussed. The need for families and professionals to communicate about the…

This article focuses on the problem of overage children populating some of South Africa's primary schools, particularly poor rural communities. The exploratory case study aimed to investigate the various barriers to learning and development that result in the enrolment of overage children in two primary schools in a rural district in…

This paper presents Center for Law and Social Policy's (CLASP's) recommendations on how No Child Left Behind (NCLB) could better address the workforce challenges faced by this country. CLASP is a nonprofit organization engaged in research, analysis, technical assistance, and advocacy on a range of issues affecting low-income families. The…

Several studies recently conducted by the Federal government and private organizations have produced new information about dropouts. Findings from these studies are summarized so that parents can have up-to-date information when talking to their children about dropping out. Urban and minority students are more likely to drop out of school. The gap…

This book identifies features of best practice in women's education and training (WET) in Britain, as revealed in a nationwide search that led to the first National Institute of Adult Continuing Education Award for Good Practice in WET. Chapter 1 describes the process for selecting six awardees. Chapter 2 isolates key issues and themes that gave…

A study was done to examine the lived experience of conflict among students in a transitional class for returning long-term absentees in Walker Hill High School (a pseudonym), an inner city New York City high school. The project was a substudy of the New York City Dropout Prevention Evaluation Project. The theoretical framework of the study began…

Hamilton Terrace in Shreveport, Louisiana, began as the Caddo P.M. School, which was established to provide high school dropouts an opportunity to return to school to complete their diploma requirements. Unlike other evening programs, the P.M. School allowed students to earn real diplomas. It was selected as the best vehicle for providing the…

Very little attention has been given in Canadian education to "second chance" education to enable people to return to school to complete their educations. Education is a responsibility of the provincial governments in Canada; there is no Federal Government or unit specifically dealing with education. Although policy can vary greatly…

A study documented the expectations, experiences, and needs of eight women who entered education via Fresh Start/Return to Study courses and followed them as they moved on to further study/training. (Fresh Start was a project of the Inner London Education Authority.) A series of interviews was conducted between June 1985 and October 1986 in an…