Explores the hypothesis that declines in achievement demonstrated in early adolescence result from educational context through a review of studies and analyses using National Education Longitudinal Study data (sample of 24,599 eighth graders). Evidence of a mismatch between school environment and student needs is discussed. (SLD)

Census and student questionnaire data for 382 African-American and 3,467 white high school students from suburban San Francisco (California) indicate consistent positive relationships among grades and family status, level of parental education, and a two-parent home only for the white majority. The community context is important in understanding…

Responses from a national survey (Education in the Middle Grades) from 1,753 principals in schools teaching grade 7 highlight the effects of the following practices believed to be responsive to adolescent needs: (1) interdisciplinary teacher teams; (2) group advisory periods; (3) remedial instruction programs; and (4) school transition programs.…

Data from the Second International Mathematics Study for over 6,500 13-year-old eighth graders and 222 teachers in the United States and over 8,000 seventh graders and 208 teachers in Japan suggest that superior mathematics achievement in Japan is a result of different instructional approaches and teacher time management than found in the United…

The articles of this special edition on education and development in adolescence share some common themes, raise points for debate, and offer new research ideas. Common themes emphasize the following: (1) diversity among adolescents; (2) simultaneity of multiple forms of development; and (3) multiple environmental influences on adolescents. (SLD)

Introduces the issue, with the following themes: (1) the increased importance of higher education; (2) policies, issues, and attitudes affecting access to higher education in the 1980s; and (3) the questionable effectiveness of junior colleges. (DM)

Examines patterns of enrollment, choice, and degree attainment of undergraduate students attending college between 1975 and 1986 in five metropolitan areas with private institutions as well as public systems enlarged during the postwar period. Finds that minority access as well as achievement have diminished considerably since the mid-1970s. (DM)

Finds that open admissions at City University of New York in the early 1970s resulted in a dramatic increase in degree attainment by Blacks and Hispanics. Concludes that more flexible aid programs, improved high school curricula, and stronger preparation in two-year colleges can increase future attainments and narrow educational inequalities. (DM)

Offers several explanations for the development of community colleges, describes their clientele and mission, and discusses current shortcomings. Recommends changes to encourage program completion or transfer into four-year programs while maintaining open access. (DM)

Traces the history of Black colleges and universities. Most Blacks now attend predominantly White schools. Because Black institutions today could accommodate only 25 percent of potential Black students, the problem of access for Blacks must be solved by federal and state governments and majority institutions. (DM)

Advocates an alternative conception of excellence in higher education, one based on how well an institution can develop its students' talents, not on the quality of the entering class's grades and test scores. Such an outlook would increase minority enrollment. (DM)

Examines trends in the educational and career aspirations of women entering college, based on a 1987 survey conducted at UCLA and data from a nationwide survey taken annually since 1966. Calls for greater institutional response to women's needs, based on their increased enrollment and broadened aspirations. (DM)

Examines differences among Black, Hispanic, and White doctoral students at four major universities. Black and Hispanic students still experience discrimination. Blacks receive the fewest teaching or research assistantships. Recommends more financial aid, assistantships, and compensatory intervention for minority group doctoral students. (DM)

Examines effects of financial aid on college entry patterns of Blacks, Whites, and Hispanics. Uniform financial aid awards probably increase the representation of Blacks in higher education. For Hispanics, however, family and academic background variables may outweigh the financial aid factor in the decision to enter college. (DM)

Study finds that lower SES high school graduates from metropolitan areas experience more difficulty in attaining college degrees that higher status students. Also, minorities from predominantly minority high schools have more difficulties than minorities from predominantly White schools. (DM)