Understanding why students drop out is important in developing effective dropout prevention strategies. Traditional research has focused on high school dropouts; recent interest uses a developmental approach and examines possibilities for earlier intervention. Each section of this report analyzes dropout prevention at the preschool, elementary,…

The problem of ill prepared college freshmen in remedial/developmental classes across the nation has significantly increased. At the same time, colleges and universities are increasingly concerned about college student retention. The study compared the belief structures of two groups: those enrolled in two remedial reading classes, and those…

South Carolina's first major dropout prevention initiative began two decades ago when leaders became more interested in the industrial development of the State. A 1966 study found that black youths were experiencing a dropout rate of 72%, while that of white youth was 48%. Statewide efforts taken in the early 1970's to alleviate this problem were…

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…

The first part of this report on school dropouts summarizes the testimony at a hearing on dropouts given by: (1) Jacqueline P. Danzberger, The Institute for Educational Leadership; (2) Anthony Earl, former governor of Wisconsin; (3) Janice Earle, National Alliance of State Boards of Education; (4) Gloria Frazier, National Foundation for the…

This booklet for students is part of a series of program materials for a school-based intervention process to help at-risk students stay in school. It lists members of the helping process team, discusses what the helping process team does, and describes the eight steps in the helping process. The steps are as follows: referral, needs…

This paper, the second in an Education Commission of the States (ECS) series, focuses on the planning and financing of dropout prevention programs. Designed as a resource guide, the paper consists of three parts. The first section presents questions asked by policymakers, discusses the process of determining the resources required, and suggests…

Nine North Carolina programs in dropout prevention and for students at risk are described in this booklet. The programs were chosen for their comprehensiveness, serving kindergarten through grade 12. Even though there has been no formal validation of the programs presented, they are ones which appear to be using new and innovative solutions to…

This report assesses the first year of a school achievement program in Lowell, Massachusetts (Lowell Achievement Program, LAP). The program targeted seventh and eighth grade students who were at risk for dropping out of school. The main goals of the program were to identify these students and to stimulate them to participate in their own learning…

Although the Pueblo (Colorado) School District's student dropout rate compares favorably with national and state data, the community found the disproportionate number of Hispanic dropouts unacceptable. This article describes the district's efforts to reorganize staff, strengthen existing programs, and institute teen mother, inhouse suspension,…

A look at national and particularly urban dropout rates reveals that the disadvantages of high school dropouts, relative to their graduate peers, are confounded by race, ethnicity, social class, and gender. Their troubles in terms of employment and earnings are more devastating today than they were 20 years ago. Quotes from Chester Finn present…

Underscores the need for educators to address the needs of minorities and at-risk students. Discusses studies of at-risk students undertaken by the Education Commission of the States. Considers the obligations of the schools toward at-risk teens. (DMM)

In this publication, six critical components of successful truancy intervention programs have been identified. Each component is discussed based on the research as well as practical considerations. Several program examples are provided at the end of each discussion. Approaches employed by these examples are designated model programs, promising…

A proposal is made to meet the requirements of a section of the Master of Science in Education degree plan with a special emphasis on alternative education. The requirements of the section of the degree plan can be met with recommended courses from the catalog of Western Oregon University. The proposed alternative education emphasis focuses on…

This literature review on mentoring at-risk students first encapsulates the history of North American mentoring programs, highlighting a late 19th-century Friendly Visiting Movement and recent 100 Black Men of Atlanta and the Toronto Learning Partnership projects. Mentoring program goals, benefits, effectiveness, challenges, and planning problems…