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A study was conducted to determine whether a specific set of factors could be used to predict a student's success in completing an introductory English course in the general education curriculum at a small southern university. The sample included first-time freshmen enrolled during seven semesters (n=942). Variables were: (1) completion of the prerequisite requirement for the English course; (2) student age; (3) ACT Assessment composite score; (4) ACT reading score; (5) part-time or full-time status; (6) public or nonpublic state high school; (7) gender; and (8) traditional or General Educational Development high school diploma. Very few statistically significant relationships were found between various predictor variables and student success or failure. The study did not validate the need for current prerequisite for first college English courses. Results suggest that the current developmental education may not be providing the preparation needed for successful completion of beginning English courses. The model did confirm prior findings that ACT subscores are a valid predictor of success. (Contains 15 references.) (SLD)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert