There is no one magical, quick fix solution to the dropout problem. The problem is complex and requires a complex array of solutions. Dropouts have dissimilar characteristics and therefore need different kinds of programs that respond to their individual circumstances and needs. Programs, to be effective, need to provide one-on-one intensive…

All-male black classes may be one way to prevent this population from dropping out of school. Describes experimental classes in a Newark (New Jersey) private elementary school that appeared to have a positive effect on the motivation, self concept, and responsibility of Black male students. (FMW)

Argues that schools, denying the existence of gay and lesbian youth, have failed to meet their educational and social service needs. Presents two models: Project 10, a Los Angeles dropout prevention program offering education, counseling, and support services; and the Harvey Milk School, an alternative New York high school. (SK)

After a violent incident just outside an Austin (Texas) middle school, the principal and her staff decided that the problem of gangs could not be resolved by merely banning gang colors and signing. Special clubs, community volunteers, and a no-failure policy helped make students less vulnerable to gang membership. (MLH)

Three retention and enrollment management experts share their most effective innovations and best practices that have achieved cost-effective results. Tables provide data on dropout rates, graduation rates, and results of a student satisfaction rating survey of four-year colleges and universities. (DB)

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "The Costs and Benefits of an Excellent Education": U.S. Could Net $45 Billion Annually if One Year's Worth…

The second of the National Education Goals, adopted following a summit meeting held in 1989 between the U.S. President and 50 governors, states that, by the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. This document, an abridged version of a report produced by a work group on school completion, is an examination of…

A project conducted in an adult literacy and basic education program in Pennsylvania proposed to use small group interaction to increase weekly attendance 10 percent from the previous program year, increase students' input into the learning process, and develop better tools to improve the learning environment. The group consisted of 39 adult…

Federal funding sources available to school districts for meeting the needs of at-risk students are listed in this document. Each source is grouped according to its dropout prevention and retrieval strategy. These strategies include school-site management; student-oriented, teacher-oriented, and collaborative approaches; structured intervention…

Information about alternative education as a baseline of thought for school reorganization is presented in this document. Chapter 1 describes the perspectives of alternative education and identifies common types. Teaching methods, strategies, and beliefs of alternative education are discussed in chapter 2. Chapter 3 focuses on the structural…

The Truancy Diversion Program began as a community focus on the problem of local students who did not complete their high school education. Representatives of local social and court services, the schools, and the Pittsburg State University Family Counseling Training Problem worked to develop a united effort to deal with children at risk of being…

This newsletter describes mentoring programs that have been successful in improving the academic achievement of at-risk African American youth. "Mentors Play Role in League's Education Push" (J. E. Jacob) describes the key role of mentors in the Urban League's Education Initiative. "Mentoring: Effective for Youth" (L. Sullivan)…

This report summarizes the findings of a national conference on mentoring. Mentoring involves a structured relationship between two people, with the first imparting support, insight, and experience to the second. The following varieties of mentoring are discussed: (1) mentoring from the business community; (2) career mentoring within specific…

In 1984 the Pennsylvania Department of Education notified school districts that they could not deny pregnant or parenting students an education; could not put them on homebound instruction in the absence of medical conditions; and could not place them involuntarily in segregated alternative programs. The state supplied additional funds to start…

The combined effects of many social, psychological, physical and educational factors make the ninth grade a level at which students have a high potential for dropping out of school. For those ninth graders who have already experienced attendance, discipline or academic problems the risk is even greater. A number of strategies have been developed…