Book Description

This study of high school sophomores in 1980 and 1990 compares the experiences of students in the two cohorts, identifying changes in in-school and out-of-school activities, academic achievement, self-concept, values, plans, and aspirations. Similarities and differences between the two groups are documented using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) and High School and Beyond (HS&B, 1980). HS&B and NELS:88 sophomores are marked by basic demographic differences, including the smaller size of the NELS:88 1990 cohort, reflecting the baby bust of the 1970s, and a higher proportion of racial minority and poverty status sophomores in 1990. NELS:88 sophomores also reflect the influence of various waves of school reform since the late 1970s and early 1980s. Overall, the comparison paints a pictures that is in most respects encouraging in its portrayal of the high school academic orientation and postsecondary expectations of the 1990 sophomore class. Positive changes, however, are typically small or moderate in magnitude. Among the findings are: (1) general and college preparatory program placement has increased, at the expense of vocational program placement; (2) patterns of extracurricular participation changed especially in musical activities (31% in 1980 to 22% in 1990) and in hobby clubs (21% in 1980 to 7% in 1990); (3) changes in sophomores giving high importance to particular life values (e.g., marriage and family 83% rating this as very important in 1980, 72% in 1990); (4) small but statistically significant increase in the number of females aspiring to traditionally male-dominated non-professional occupations (15.6% in 1980 versus 18.% in 1990). Sixteen tables and 13 figures present data from the 2 studies. Three appendixes contain information about the survey sample sizes, standard errors, and other methodological and technical information. Appendix A contains an additional 20 data tables. (Contains 46 references.) (SLD)