This paper reviewed the research literature on graduation rates in U.S. high schools to evaluate and assess the findings. The methodology employed was to determine the measuring method that researchers used in reaching their findings. The strengths and weaknesses of the method employed were then analyzed. Flaws and inaccuracies were examined and…

Examination of dropout trends in New York City for 1986-87 reveals the following: (1) the annual dropout rate was 7.3 percent for the high schools, and 8.3 percent system-wide; (2) the estimated four-year dropout rate was 26.3 percent for the high schools, and 29.2 percent system-wide; (3) the 1986-87 four-year high school dropout rate was 6.2…

Examination of dropout trends in New York City for 1987-88 reveals the following: (1) the annual dropout rate was 7.5 percent for the high schools, and 8.4 percent system-wide; (2) the estimated 4-year dropout rate was 26.8 percent for the high schools, and 29.7 percent system-wide; (3) the 1987-88 4-year high school dropout rate was 5.7…

In order to determine the extent to which New York City students are dropping out of high school, the progress of the over 70,000 members of the class of 1986 was followed from September 1982, through June 1986. By the date of their anticipated graduation, the class of 1986 was characterized by the following: (1) 22 percent had dropped out; (2) 12…

Using the state-mandated Texas at-risk criteria to identify students at-risk for dropping out, the Austin (Texas) Independent School District (AISD) followed those students for three years to determine the accuracy of the mandated state criteria. The study focuses on the classification and follow-up of 25,587 students in 1987-88, 25,292 students…

This report presents detailed tabulations of statistical data on school enrollment of the civilian noninstitutional population in October 1987 and 1988. The following enrollments are reported: (1) nursery school; (2) kindergarten; (3) elementary school; (4) high school; and (5) college and professional school. The following personal…

Each public school that had students enrolled in grades 9-12 was surveyed to gather data on the extent and nature of the school dropout problem in New Mexico during the 1983-84 school year. Data on grade, sex, ethnicity, and reason for dropping out were collected. Information was obtained from all 88 public school districts and from 99% of the…

The cohort method was used to compute graduation and dropout rates for 82,935 New York City public high school students who entered grade 9 in 1984 and were expected to graduate in June 1988. Separate studies were conducted for the following: (1) a 1-year follow-up of the Class of 1987; (2) a 2-year follow-up of the Class of 1986; (3) a…

The problem of high school dropouts has generated increased interest among researchers, policymakers, and educators in recent years. This paper examines the many issues involved in trying to understand and solve this complex social and educational problem. The issues are grouped into four areas, related to the incidence, causes, consequences, and…

A study of high school dropouts and programs in Appalachian regions of 13 states also sought exemplary programs and methods of replication. The high school dropout rate was found to be 5.8% higher than the national average of 23.9%. Within the region, rates were 19.1% in the northern, 38% in the central, and 30% in the southern region. Differences…

This report describes methodology and results of a study to determine the nature and extent of the high school dropout problem in the Appalachian region and to explore characteristics of existing programs dealing with dropout problems in the region. Data aggregation complicated by lack of standardization in reporting numbers of dropouts and…

This study focuses on school system characteristics that affect the dropout rate in the Chicago public high schools. Although the primary variable for investigation is attendance rate, other school system variables examined include type of school, percentage of low-income students in a school, and the overall level of student ability for a school…

This study explores patterns of behaviors and attitudes, as well as the academic, demographic, social, and economic circumstances of students who have dropped out of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). It also examines other factors that influence dropout attitudes, aspirations, and needs after leaving school. Factors affecting…

Researchers analyzed information from student records and student organizations to determine the academic success, dropout, and graduation rates of Alaska Natives at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks (UAF) throughout the late 1970's. Perhaps due to political, social, and policy changes, Native student success peaked in the early 1970's and…

This report presents national data for 1990 on high school dropout and retention rates. The report uses the Current Population Survey and the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988. The three types of dropout rates discussed are: (1) event rates, (2) status rates, and (3) cohort rates. The report also examines high school completion and…