Using 2000 U.S. Census data, this report compares the situation of children in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to children's situations in neighboring territories and the nation overall. Between 1990-2000, the number of children in the Northern Mariana Islands increased 49 percent, while the number increased nationwide by only 14…

A study sought to discover several general principles of student attrition, based on investigations into students dropping out of school carried out between 1973 and 1986. These investigations included a survey of 21 head instructors and 289 students at an Ontario community college, impressions gained from students dropping out of adult basic…

Using data on variability in West Virginia high school dropout rates, this study examined contextual factors in teen pregnancy. Results indicated that teen pregnancy was explained in a similar way to dropping out. The presence or absence of opportunities and valued participation in a socially, culturally stable community affected both issues. (SM)

Project documented characteristics of teenage school dropouts and then compared the prevalence of risk-taking behavior of dropouts with those attending school. Of the sample (n=548), 15% had dropped out. Those still attending school engaged in suicide behavior more frequently than dropouts whereas the latter abused substances more. (RJM)

Studies have indicated that pregnancy is only one of the factors that cause female students to drop out of school. A study was conducted at a Chicago (Illinois) public high school to determine if there was a significant difference in the dropout rate for teens who were pregnant and those who were not. The population for the study included female…

This study investigated the effects of schools' academic and disciplinary climates on student disengagement and dropping out, noting whether these effects varied by race/ethnic group. Data came from the High School Effectiveness Study (HSES), which allows contextual analysis of urban youth in their high schools, and the Common Core of Data, from…

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)

Many young people in the District of Columbia are failing to make a successful transition to adulthood. Their challenges include poor preparation for the high-skills labor market and long-standing health problems. Recent District government efforts have centered around school reform and early childhood, but these areas are not sufficient to…

This testimony, prepared for presentation to the Crisis Intervention Task Force of the House Select Committee on Children Youth, and Families, begins with an overview of statistics on education, employment, and marriage among adolescents. Subsequently, it reviews data on indicators of youth crises: pregnancy, sexuality, substance abuse, smoking,…

This study was undertaken in response to expressions of concern about the apparent high dropout and low placement rates for young under-22 Work Incentive Program (WIN) participants. The analysis is based on interviews with 518 young people in 13 cities across the United States who were in the program at some time between July 1971 and the spring…

This report profiles child wellbeing for each state and the District of Columbia, using data from the 1990 and 2000 Decennial Censuses. Each profile includes a graph showing 1990-00 trends for five key indicators of child wellbeing: children in poverty; children in single-parent households; teens who are high school dropouts; children who have…

This statistical report examines trends in children's well-being in Iowa. Data are based on eight indicators: (1) infant mortality rate; (2) percent of births with low birth weight; (3) birth rates to teenagers age 16 to 17 years; (4) percent of all births to unmarried teenagers; (5) child abuse and neglect rates; (6) percent of students entering…

This publication brings together the best available data to measure the health and the economic, educational, and social well-being of children in the United States. The report focuses on the following 10 indicators of child and adolescent health, education, and socioeconomic status: (1) percentage of low-birth weight babies; (2) infant mortality…

The 1990 census shows about 5 million children living in the 13 states comprising Appalachia. Ninety percent of Appalachian children are white and nine percent are black, with the majority of black children living in the southern subregion. Children represent a quarter of the region's residents, but their numbers have declined by 11 percent since…

Examines changes in the characteristics and outcomes of school dropouts in Australia during the 1980s. Schools recruited more broadly among females during this period, which weakened the association between dropping out and social background. For males, social differences remained entrenched. Both genders experienced steep increases in…