Recent studies have argued that there is a dropout crisis in the U.S. But the authors in this article, find that this contention is based on flawed analyses of inadequate data. Using a much wider range of sources, they conclude that the situation is not nearly so dire as is commonly believed. (Contains 14 endnotes.)

The U.S. Department of Education and various education commentators maintain that dropout rates have been decreasing for African-Americans and the school population as a whole. This paper presents evidence that dropout rates may be going up rather than down and identifies reasons for the conflicting data. The reasons include varied definitions of…

The purpose of this brief report is to highlight information about disabled youth in relation to the second of six National Education goals proposed by the President and the Governors in 1990. The second goal states that "By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90 percent." A grade of…

This paper examines progress made in educating adolescents with mild handicaps since implementation of Public Law 94-142, based on graduation rates of these students and their postschool outcomes. The paper then presents a model for restructuring special education programs to prepare youth for utilitarian, social, and personal roles. (JDD)

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), a nationwide non-profit organization of the 56 public officials who head departments of public education in every state, the District of Columbia, and five extra-state jurisdictions, has adopted the following principles: (1) each person must have an equal opportunity to earn a high school diploma…

School accountability report cards generally focus on standardized test scores, dropout/graduation rates, and postgraduation plans. Citizens also want information on safety, teacher qualifications, and average class size. Administrators should define their audience, clarify purpose, carefully select indicators, and consider format, presentation,…

During 1988-89, the Austin Independent School District's Title 7 program continued to supplement services through the locally funded bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs to secondary students of limited English proficiency. The 1988-89 Title 7 evaluation report provides an overview of the programs's changes, staff training,…

This report addresses the problem of retaining and graduating college students, particularly black students, in 4-year college programs. Seven key ideas are suggested: (1) colleges granting admission to students who lack adequate preparation should offer appropriate developmental or remedial support to these students; (2) colleges should ensure…