Alternative schools are defined in this report as schools or programs targeting students who are unsuccessful in the traditional school environment. These schools often see their mission as one of dropout prevention. Certain features are usually associated with alternative schools, including a clear mission, a small enrollment, a more personal…

James Bryant Conant issued his famous report, "The American High School Today," in 1959, giving voice to a clear and influential reaffirmation of the comprehensive secondary school. Conant's vision in this, and in another work, "Slums and Suburbs" (1961) makes an interesting point of departure for consideration of the forces…

This analysis focuses on school offerings and practices that limit or increase the course work taken by particular groups of students. The National Commission on Excellence in Education has recommended minimal requirements for high school graduation consisting of 4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics, science, and social studies, and one-half…

This document combines a review of the literature on Hispanic high school dropouts and urban dropout prevention initiatives with an analysis of the findings of a study of the individual, family, school, and community characteristics of Hispanic ninth grade students in predominantly minority high schools in American cities. The study was designed…

This paper explores the recent two decades of school reform efforts and focuses on application of the Effective Schools movement's ideas in urban, economically depressed communities. Five common characteristics of effective schools are teacher and other staff who believe that all children can learn; safe, orderly, and work-oriented environments;…

Challenges the "model minority" stereotype, and discusses the multitude of obstacles facing Chinese-American students in New York City that impede their success in school. Social service gaps are identified, and a new framework of system delivery is offered to address the problem of this special population. (GLR)