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…

Analysis of data from four courses shows that (1) female open learning students complete their courses more often than male counterparts, (2) open learning students who register at certain campuses complete their courses more often than students who register at others, and (3) students who complete and return assigned questionnaires are more…

The author considers the effect of raising school standards on the dropout rate. Research related to dropout prevention programs is reviewed in order to identify charactertistics of effective programs. The West German system of early student differentiation is examined. (MT)

The construct validity for potential high school dropouts (N=252) of Holland's theory of vocational choice as measured by the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) was studied. Results indicate Holland's theory is appropriate for potential high school dropouts and by implication, for other high school students. (Author)

Lowering the student dropout rate in America is one of the most significant challenges facing educators today. This book calls attention to this problem, and offers hope and suggestions on how to resolve it using effective strategies taken from research and personal observations gleaned from successful dropout prevention programs in school…

This report outlines strategies, developed by a state-legislative committee, for reducing the dropout rate in Colorado. The committee also investigated alternative methods of completing a high-school education program and ways of stressing the importance of education to Colorado youth. To gather information, testimonies provided by students,…

Why the dropout rate in apprenticeship programs is high, and ways to lower the rate and improve the programs. (MF)

Examines the role of anxiety in predicting student attrition in college-level foreign language courses. Reports that students who dropped out of their foreign language classes were significantly more likely to report higher levels of input, processing, and output anxiety. Provides recommendations for instructors. (Contains 28 references.) (CAK)

Findings from a study of administrators' perceptions of student dropout causes and possible interventions are presented in this paper. Current dropout literature was categorized into four sources of student withdrawal from school--schools, parents, peers, and students. A national survey of 650 secondary principals and 650 superintendents produced…

This position paper was written to answer a series of basic questions frequently asked about attrition and retention at Empire State College (ESC), New York. The questions addressed in the report are: (1) What is the attrition rate at ESC? (2) How does ESC's attrition rate compare to other colleges? (3) Who are the leavers? (4) When does attrition…

This document presents a study of the effectiveness of the Job Training Partnership Act program Project STAY, designed to impact the dropout problem in Stockton, California area high schools. A literature review discusses dropout characteristics, schools that dropouts leave, employment opportunities for the general population and for dropouts,…

This study of dropout statistics in West Virginia in school year 1984-85 presents the data in the form of graphs. Each graph is followed by a one sentence conclusion and a question or questions about the dropout problem. Topics and questions covered are as follows: (1) was the dropout involved in Educational Consolidation Improvement Act (ECIA) or…

Study conclusively demonstrated that a special academic program in which positive reinforcement techniques were used is an effective way of changing attitude toward school and self. (Author)

A survey of 194 California high schools.

This follow-up study had three objectives: (1) provide information about dropouts that could be used by the college to identify areas where corrective action may be needed; (2) document the number and percentage of students who leave the college for reasons not amenable to corrective action; and (3) provide insight necessary to build models that…