The Hegelian model of society as an organism is used to analyze what makes multicultural societies healthy or unhealthy, how to make the transition from one to the other, and potential roles for educational and political systems in that process. Discussion focuses on the American southwest. (Author/MSE)

Drawing on longitudinal data on 81 Illinois high school valedictorians, this study traced the consequences of economics, family, and college experiences on the early adult achievement of 8 African-American and Mexican-American valedictorians. Interview results indicate the post-high-school conditions that constrain achievement of even academically…

A longitudinal study compared Indiana ninth graders (n=178) with and without postsecondary education plans. Results indicate decided and undecided students can be differentiated by the amount of time spent thinking about postsecondary options, amount of information received regarding those options, academic achievement, and student and parent…

An Illinois study found that parents' (n=823) college savings and awareness of college financial aid possibilities had significant indirect effects on the tuition levels of colleges under consideration. Effects of a number of other demographic variables and knowledge factors were found. (Author/MSE)

McGill University (Canada) faculty participating in discussion groups about teaching analyzed such issues as structure of subject matter, the learning task, linking teaching methods and learning expectations, and evaluation of learning. Some collaborated on classroom research. Findings indicated that varied exposure to concept mapping resulted in…

A discussion of higher education in the former German Democratic Republic looks at the common historical roots of central European universities, the different directions higher education took in East and West Germany after 1945, and the current turbulent transformation of higher education in East Germany during German unification. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 521 University of Toronto (Ontario) faculty investigated whether and how faculty attempt to influence government policy. Results indicate that over one-quarter had been politically active during the previous year. Faculty are involved in a number of policy areas, some personal and often related to their area of study. (Author/MSE)

The use of selective, as contrasted with across-the-board, state funding as an incentive for program improvement in higher education institutions is discussed, and the experiences of four states (New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee) are examined for forces that work against the long-term feasibility of this approach. (Author/MSE)

A study of 394 faculty in nine Ontario (Canada) Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology found many engaged in a wide range of research activities supported by various formal institutional mechanisms. Most faculty were interested in doing more research. Research was largely applied rather than scholarly, but a small core pursued scholarly…

A study examined the effects of single- and mixed-gender colleges on women's education, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972. Results indicate women's colleges have a strong, positive influence on educational and occupational achievement, self-esteem, self-control, and views on gender equality.…

Higher education has related asynchronously to recent cycles in social movements affecting school reform. Current efforts in Oregon illustrate this pattern in public colleges. Although higher education is not likely to overcome its skepticism of reform dynamics, there is both reason and potential for promising alliances with schools. (Author/MSE)

Issues associated with increasing cultural diversity on college campuses and the move toward multicultural curricula are examined. It is concluded that a multicultural curriculum taught in an atmosphere encouraging free and open interchange is fundamental to promoting intergroup understanding and to educating students for life in the 21st century.…

A study of 479 doctoral students at an urban university examined the relationships between 4 educational strategies (divergent, assimilative, convergent, accommodative) of doctoral programs and subjects' perceptions of their gains in 4 domains of professional competence (thinking, decision making, valuing, and acting). Additional variables…

A survey of 1,383 faculty at a large university examined perceptions of the implications of childbirth and institutional leave policies on tenure and promotion. Although faculty expressed approval of institutions providing parental leave, women faculty were notably reluctant to take advantage of them. Policy implications are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Using data from a 1988 national survey of postsecondary faculty, the study compared publication rates for African American, Asian American, and Hispanic faculty with those of Caucasian faculty. Results did not support the frequently advanced claim that fewer minority faculty receive promotion and tenure because of fewer publications. (Author/MSE)