Early, accurate identification of potentially at-risk students is crucial to developing effective dropout prevention programs. Checklists are commonly used by schools and agencies to identify potential dropouts. Unfortunately checklists have several weaknesses, e.g., it is difficult to know how many characteristics must be checked before deciding…

This document presents the final report of a dropout prevention counseling program designed for elementary school students in McDowell County, West Virginia. The purpose of the program is explained and three objectives met by the project are identified: (1) counseling sessions were held with each of the identified potential dropouts (N=206) in two…

Reviews literature on dropouts and considers group counseling as a possible solution to the dropout problem in high schools. Emphasizes the need for early identification and intervention with potential dropouts. Discusses school counselor's role in working with these at-risk students. (NB)

This document discusses state initiatives to address the dropout problem by presenting an overview of programmatic strategies states are using to meet the needs of dropout-prone youth and school dropouts and strategies to finance these efforts. It provides a framework for understanding current state programs and then presents an overview of…

Reviews findings on factors that predict dropping out and relates these to recent recommendations for raising school standards. Identifies the adverse effects these standards might have on potential dropouts and discusses some ways of circumventing the negative consequences. Proposes an agenda for simultaneously raising standards and addressing…

Describes the goals and substantial achievements of Operation Success, a school-based program aimed at bringing dropouts back into school and serving those on the verge of dropping out. Also discusses students' reasons for dropping out, strategies for case management, and the coordination of funding. (RDN)

Describes dropout prevention model of teamwork between teacher and graduate social work intern at inner-city alternative public high school. Notes that model provides framework for programmatic responses to problems of school dropouts among inner-city minority youths and also furnishes new opportunities for intern training in school social work.…

This book describes the lives and life conditions of some of the approximately 30 students who attended one Enterprise High School located in northwestern Macomb County (Michigan) designed to keep potential dropouts in school. All of the events described in the book actually happened although they did not actually happen to any one or two specific…

This booklet addresses the issue of high school dropouts. The dropout problem is briefly reviewed and dropout statistics are presented. A section on identifying the dropout lists early warning signs of potential dropouts and examines reasons for dropping out. Seven profiles of dropouts are included which provide personal insights, describe…

This document is the result of an Institute for Educational Leadership conference convened to brief Congressional staff on dropouts, dropout programs, and what information about dropouts merits consideration by policymakers. This report is intended to be a readable account of the dropout problem appropriate for the general public as well as for…

The Kentucky Dropout Prevention Advisory Commission, appointed in 1984, found enough evidence to conclude that Kentucky's dropout problem is large enough to nerit the development of statewide dropout prevention efforts. Any such effort, the Commission states, will require a commitment from all Kentucky officials, educators, and citizens to educate…

Because at-risk students may feel alienated from school, educational reforms may be useful that make school a more supportive place. While many students identified as "at-risk" may drop out of high school, many others could be better described as "pushouts." These students may desire to stay in school and graduate, but feel pressure to leave.…

This paper draws on path-like models of student attrition developed by researchers concerned with American higher education to suggest a process model of dropping out of school which is applicable to secondary schools. It notes that existing research on school dropouts has been conducted largely without the guidance of such a model. Central…

This document reports on the first year of operation of Project ARJO: Academic Recovery through Job Opportunity, a program developed by Sandy Union High School District #2 in Sandy, Oregon under a Title VI Excellence in Education grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The primary objective of Project ARJO is the academic recovery of…

This report outlines the findings and recommendations of an Illinois state task force which investigated the problem of Hispanic student dropouts. Following an executive summary, the report is divided into two sections which, respectively, describe findings and provide recommendations for twelve problem areas: (1) inadequate definition of a…