This paper describes the school-community guidance centers authorized by the Texas legislature in 1981 in an attempt to decrease the incidence of student disruptive behavior and student contacts with the criminal justice system. The variety of services, including academic instruction, counseling, home/school liaison, and follow-up programs, are…

The main purpose of this document is to facilitate the reduction of the Georgia dropout problem by promoting collaboration and networking among educators, school administrators, and program directors. The information presented in this manual reflects the unique needs and goals of the State of Georgia. Nine sections comprise this text, which…

This paper provides school district administrators with a structured method for developing school programs aimed at reducing the risk of adolescent dropout. The methodology encompasses problem definition, fact finding, mission management, overcoming inertia, cohering programs tied to theory, feasible goal-setting, and normative personnel…

This directory on Iowa alternative programs for potential and actual dropouts begins with a brief summary of the state's dropout problem accompanied by nine references. Descriptions of some of the special programs and schools precede the full text of state legislation for funding and administering dropout programs. The next section, in outline…

The Teenage Parent Center of the Single Parent Assistance, Counseling and Education Project was developed to support, guide, and direct adolescent mothers, pregnant teenagers, and teens at risk of becoming parents through successful completion of a high school diploma or school year in a vocational setting in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The…

Procedures for operating undergraduate minority engineering programs (MEPs) are provided in this handbook. The findings and suggestions presented are based on the experiences of MEP directors who have managed support programs, which focus on improving the retention of minority students within engineering. The titles and authors of the handbook's…

This manual presents a viable school program for grades K-12 to help reduce the number of school dropouts. Characteristics of potential dropouts and alternative programs to meet the needs of these students are given. Although this manual is divided into sections for elementary (K-6) and secondary (7-12) school students, many of the ideas presented…

The main reasons that students drop out of high school are poor grades, family problems, and financial problems. The school reform movement may compound marginal students' difficulties and cause more students to drop out. (MD)

This booklet provides the knowledge and tools college and university students and their professors need to develop a partnership with organizations that work with children who are potential dropouts. Section 1 looks at childhood in the 1990s and section 2 introduces partners who can help potential dropouts. Section 3 considers issues related to…

Describes an instruction and workshop inservice program on dropout identification, interpersonal communication and classroom management techniques provided by a consultant team for middle school personnel. Recommendations include some alternative curricula, monitoring of student participation, and administrative commitment. (JAC)

This paper urges increased educator and community agency collaboration in preventing failure among students with special needs, including students with disabilities. A chart compares networking, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration and distinguishes among them in terms of types of interaction, examples, impact on students, and impact on…

A management information system developed in Santa Clara County monitors K-12 students through their school years. The data reflect up-to-date demographics and changes in students' behaviors and characteristics. School districts are able to identify areas of program strengths and weaknesses so that changes can be made. (MLF)

This business/school partnership program uses adult volunteers from a local business to facilitate the personal and emotional development of students at high risk of dropping out of school. After a 30-minute training session, volunteers eat lunch with an assigned student partner once a week for 14 weeks. Benefits of the program are seen for both…

A principal at a Lowell (Massachusetts) school collaborated with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell to develop a dropout intervention program for seventh and eighth grade students. Small classes met alternate Saturday mornings at the university. Additional field trips and two overnight weekends helped strengthen the bond between students and…

Educator and researcher specializing in student retention, Tinto discusses own experience leaving doctoral program to join Peace Corps, reviews internal and external causes of attrition, characteristics of successful retention programs, and role of teaching in retention. Favors establishing a sense of community on campuses to enhance students'…