To determine whether needed components of the career education program were directed toward the potential Mesa school dropouts, a study was made of their characteristics. Samples used were an exhaustive sample of the 431 dropouts of the 1972-1973 school year and a random sample of the 1973-1974 potential dropouts (those students over age 16 or…

This study was undertaken to determine whether differences in characteristics exist between public school dropouts and graduates. The need for such a study is indicated by the fact that dropouts are finding it more difficult to achieve success in most life ventures. A random sampling from 304 school systems in Indiana produced twenty school…

An overview of issues and problems in identifying and predicting dropouts is presented in this Digest. The topics discussed are as follows: factors associated with dropping out; defining and calculating dropouts; problems in prediction; the usefulness of current prediction models; and suggestions for improving prediction. The recommendation is…

Differentiating between the dropout and the failing student this study looks for the explanation of the process of dropping out, as opposed to a description of the individual who drops out. Examines the intake characteristics of dropouts and persisters. (RB)

This report evaluated a project designed to identify, locate, and assist high school dropouts in Oahu, Hawaii. The study group consisted of 105 males and 145 females. Former dropouts were used as outreach aides to: (1) contact potential dropouts in the schools, and (2) to assist the student in resolving his difficulty. The study revealed that most…

This article presents a summary of some research on a statistical approach to identifying potentially successful and dropout students in a college population. The technique utilized is Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA). MDA eliminates the shortcomings of regression-correlation and uses only quantifiable information. The 2 variables that proved…

Several traditional approaches to studying the student dropout are outlined. They include data collection on reasons given for dropping out and characteristics of dropouts, as well as follow-up study. The use of the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (MCHEMS) Student Flow Model (SFM) is described to show how students could be…

At Coral Gables Senior High, Dade County, Florida, a profile of the average student dropout was composed on the basis of school records to serve as a guide to identifying potential dropouts, who are given special remedial and counseling attention. Dropout rates have decreased from 10 percent to 4.4 over three years. (DTT)

Improving graduation rates among U.S. elementary and secondary school students requires that one be able to detect which students are at greatest risk for dropping out. There may be a variety of social and psychological differences between those who leave and those who graduate, but there is also evidence that those who abandon school are…

A research survey using twenty student characteristic variables were used to attempt to identify potential high school dropouts from 227 ninth grade male and female students. The results indicated that droupouts can be predicted to a limited degree and have different characteristics than retainees in a vocational program. (DS)

Results indicate that in differentiating dropouts from successful clients on the basis of significant mean differences, work behaviors and occupational interests proved to be more important than IQ's or cognitive skills. (Author)

Rated community mental health clinic clients after the initial session. Therapist ratings of client behavior were related significantly to subsequent attendance. Early dropouts were characterized by youth and a lower education level. They were less likely to be employed and more likely to have diagnosed personality disorders. (Author/JAC)

This article discusses school-related indicators among learning-disabled adolescents at risk of dropping out and potential interventions. Absenteeism, discipline problems, low achievement, and grades are considered as early warning signals and appropriate/effective teacher responses reviewed. Findings indicate that at-risk students can be…

Many students who enter public schools leave without achieving what has become the expected minimum level of educational attainment, a high school diploma. The purpose of this study was to contribute to existing dropout-prevention research by identifying and validating reliable decision rules for differentiating actual dropouts from high school…