Argues that free reading in a second language (such as English) done outside of school makes an important contribution to literacy development and academic achievement. Concludes that free reading is responsible for competence in writing style as well as other aspects of literacy. (four references) (CK)

This 13th annual edition of "Education Vital Signs" reports on indicators of school and student success, such as parent involvement, academic coursework, high school completion, technology use, achievement test scores, and student performance on reading, math, and science assessments. Also offers state-by-state statistics and a profile of school…

The role of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) in defining the field and the curriculum content for graduate study is examined on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Stressed is the organization's potential future role as the field confronts changing political, social, economic, and technological…

It is argued that changes in the biomedical research environment and health care system call for reexamination of the mission and value of research and graduate education programs in basic sciences in pharmacy schools. Trends in research funding and graduate-level basic sciences are noted though contributions of these efforts to the field are…

Analysis of employment and higher education patterns among women in Britain, Germany, and Sweden found discipline is the major factor influencing labor market entry, with most women preparing for traditionally female occupations and following financially less rewarding careers. While women in nontraditional occupations begin with an economic…

This article addresses current features of initial teacher education in England, including the impact of the National Curriculum, the need for more school-based training, and the "permeation" of issues concerned with special educational needs (SEN) into the entire teacher education curriculum. A survey of recent graduates at four…

Displays results of an annual ranking of colleges and universities with the highest rates of associate and bachelor's degrees conferred on minority group members, bachelor's degrees by ethnic group (African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American) and institution type (white or historically black), and bachelor's degrees conferred on…

Surveys of all U.S. state teacher certification bureaus examined whether they required educational law courses or the study of legal issues affecting teachers. Researchers also examined Louisiana teachers' perceptions of educational law content in their teacher preparation programs. Results indicated there was a paucity of preparation in…

Describes the content, methods, and challenges of a graduate level course, "Computers and Other Educational Technologies," for all master of education students at the University of Montana. One section occurred on campus, and the other was taught using distance-learning technologies. Recommendations for future classes are provided. (SM)

Describes an action research project designed to rethink student teaching practicums by infusing critical inquiry, team teaching, curriculum change, and changing roles. The project combined student teacher preparation with inservice opportunities for cooperating teachers. The paper reflects on the important professional impact the collaboration…

A study using eight focus groups of men and women (n=approximately 60) enrolled in undergraduate and graduate business administration programs investigated reasons for current difficulty in marketing Master's in Business Administration (MBA) programs. Results suggest that to increase the degree's value, schools should serve existing market…

Reports an interview study that addresses the social and cultural life of 12 nonnative English-speaking international graduate students in four areas: relationships with supervisors and friends, experiences as teaching assistants, communication with colleagues and friends, and social life. Results are illustrated with the students own words.…

A senior foundation executive addresses a number of concerns about higher education's performance, including the low national college completion rate, decreasing minority enrollment, programs poorly designed for nontraditional students, cooperation with two-year and technical institutions, lagging minority faculty recruitment, and contributions to…

It is proposed that medical schools recruit students from rural areas, have them choose family practice, and train them in rural settings. Specific recommendations for improving content and context of rural medical care education are made, including merging internal medicine, family practice, and pediatrics as a single primary care specialty.…

A mail survey was conducted of alumnae or students who left Sweet Briar between 1979 and 1986. The study was to solicit information about attitudes toward educational loan debt which could be used in counseling current and prospective students, evaluating award packaging policies, and responding to legislation affecting student loans. (MLW)