Social scientists' assertions in 1954, that desegregation would improve minority student performance by freeing minority children from "pariah" status, and the hypothesis that interracial classroom contact would result in improved minority student achievement, are both unsupported by research. Effective school desegregation programs must…

Describes evaluation experiences in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, School District. Suggests that use of evaluation results can be maximized through a systems approach that involves developing and monitoring different performance indicators, and tailoring educational practice by focusing corrective action on areas where performance is found to be…

Investigated the mediating effects of social support on the academic achievement of children in single parent families. Parents and oldest school-age children completed questionnaires on demographic and support group information. Results indicated adequate social support may mediate negative effects of single parent family status on academic…

The judicial branches of government have unique needs for evaluative information and limited resources; this must be recognized in order to increase the utilization of applied social research by courts and lawyers. (Available from: Jossey-Bass, Inc., 433 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104, single issue, $6.95.) (GDC)

The author focuses on some of the research needs for early adolescents (ages 10 to 15). It highlights areas in which federal policy concerns intersect with developmental research, and discusses six areas: social equity, basic skills, school discipline, parent participation, and school effectiveness. (Author/KC)

Recommendations by the American Council on Education for priorities in federal legislation are made concerning student aid, institutional and program aid, research support, armed forces, tax credits and incentives, medical services, social reforms, employment and handicapped policies, truth-in-testing, regulatory reform, and equal education. (MSE)

Studies using parent and teacher ratings have corroborated several syndromes characterizing disturbed children. Classification categories must be devised and made available to practitioners. Cluster analysis has been used in one research program to classify children with similar patterns of reported problems. (Checklists and rating scales are…

Compared to traditional campus activities, field experiences appear to have some significant affective impact on college students. However, a knowledge of design techniques makes obvious the need for a major revision of the manner in which field experiences have been evaluated. (Author/LBH)

Addresses some of the practicalities in doing a senior paper on sexual geographies (gay neighborhoods, heterosexual clubs, women's work areas), from choosing a topic to selecting a relevant methodological framework. Considers ethical issues inherent in the independent research including confidentiality and objectivity. Briefly reviews recent…

Reviews the basic concepts governing student aid funding and the mechanics of delivery, including a review of the development of current federal financial aid programs, the complexities of determining student need, institutional responsibility, and suggested areas for institutional research. Notes that the challenges ahead include strengthening…

This article reviews and synthesizes recent research on higher education faculty shortages in the special education field, and outlines areas of needed research. Issues discussed include high attrition rates, faculty diversity, and insufficient and misplaced incentives. Strengths and weaknesses of available research are discussed. (Author/PB)

Discussion of the growing use of practicums and field experience in college programs as a means of preparing students for the world of work looks at ways in which the practicum is conceptualized, implemented, and evaluated. Shortcomings are identified, research into the role of supervision is recommended, appropriate learning objectives are…

While most comparative higher education research focuses on the transition from elite to mass education, two other aspects deserve study: substantive academic growth, with roots in the research imperative and the dynamics of disciplines; and innovative university organization, a concern among practitioners as universities seek greater capacity for…

Briefly reviews and criticizes recent research into declining undergraduate economics enrollment. Argues that this research fails to consider an integral variable, the student's perspective. Recommends a 1981 student survey profile as a model to follow for future research. (MJP)

Evaluation research has established that college student ratings of faculty are reliable, valid, and widely used. However, resistance continues. Minimizing this resistance is crucial, and designating an influential change advocate within the institution can influence acceptance of a new system. Research on institutional contexts for evaluation…