Examines the high school completion rate of students in the class of 1988 assigned to an inschool suspension (ISS) program at some time during their high school career. Clearly, ISS students are high risks for school completion, as shown by this study's less than 50 percent completion rate. Nonetheless, such programs are essential. (MLH)

New York City's Dropout Prevention Program's success depended on more than the usual commitment of resources, shared ideals, and dedicated people. A flexible planning framework was needed to overcome collaborators' mutual mistrust, identify common ground, and gain the support of line staff and top leadership in schools and in community…

Recognizing the potential of combining interdisciplinary methods with block program scheduling to serve underachieving high schoolers, the East Manhattan Outreach Center's staff initiated such a program in 1993. Students were block-programmed, using four classes of 28 pupils each enrolled in six courses. The program stressed small-group activities…

A study of over 100 dropouts from schools in the western suburbs of Chicago (Illinois) permitted researchers to develop this descriptive overview of the school experiences and family situations typical among dropouts and to offer suggestions for helping potential dropouts stay in school and adjust successfully. (PGD)

Although the national reports have not focused on the problem, effective schools must address the needs of potential school dropouts. The author rebuts some of the common arguments against dropout prevention programs, arguing that successful dropout prevention is one of the key indicators of overall school effectiveness. (Author/TE)

The authors of the book "Reducing the Risk: Schools as Communities of Support" are interviewed. The book proposes a research-based theory of dropout prevention that stresses the importance of school membership and networks of support. (TE)

Discusses a specific type of mentoring: matching retired, older persons with young people enduring a crisis period in their lives. Programs such as the Teaching Learning Communities (T-LC) Mentoring Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, assign elders as mentors and tutors to junior high school students in danger of dropping out. Strong elder-youth bonds…

Most discussions about at-risk students focus on remedying deficiencies in basic skills, often narrowly defined as English literacy and ability to perform mathematical computations. Omitting appealing subjects from a "streamlined" curriculum will only worsen the situation. Through careful planning, administrators can add the power of music to…

Alternatives in junior high, middle, and intermediate schools run the gamut, the researchers of NASSP's exemplary program files discovered. A few of them are described in this article. (Editor)