Changes that might reduce dropout rates as high school graduation standards are raised are discussed. A review of research on successful dropout prevention programs reveals four common characteristics: (1) they separate potential dropouts from other students; (2) they have strong vocational components; (3) they utilize out-of-class learning; and…

California's Peninsula Academies train high-risk students academically and vocationally. Partnerships with employers provide hands-on training and summer jobs. The program's small school atmosphere helps motivate previously disaffected students. (SK)

Now in its eighteenth year, an alternative public high school in New York City located on a college campus and aimed at potential dropouts and high-risk adolescents, Middle College has an exemplary retention rate and is being replicated across the country. (MSE)

School boards should require districts take the following actions: (1) make programs for at-risk students an ongoing priority; (2) assign the same quality of staff for at-risk programs as for other programs; (3) hold staff members, students, and administrators strictly accountable; and (4) insist that all district departments give equal services…

In May 2008, the Center for Evaluation & Education Policy (CEEP) issued the Education Policy Brief, "Calculating High School Graduation Rates," which discussed the importance of accurate and reliable high school graduation data, various graduation rate calculation methods, the history behind the use of particular methodologies, and…

The focus is on strategies used by 10 urban districts to reduce school dropouts. Thirty-eight strategies for dropout prevention were identified. Although the majority identified dropout prevention strategies, only two districts referred to "recovery programs." If district spokespersons mentioned their CEOs using a systems approach in…

The Truants' Alternative and Optional Education Program was developed to provide preventative, interventive, and remedial services to keep students from becoming chronic truants, and as an educational option for students who had dropped out or who were at risk of dropping out of school due to academic deficiencies. The program, implemented in the…

Three off campus private alternative schools have been supported, in part, by the Portland, Oregon, Public Schools. The students, mostly high school age, are largely dropouts or on the verge of dropping out of school. Many were referred because of behavior, attendance, or other discipline problems. At least half of the students in each school have…

This book presents information about programs in Oregon that are successful in serving disadvantaged youths. Fifty-eight model programs are included in this directory and are categorized under the headings of: (1) early childhood intervention; (2) early childhood education/support; (3) teen parents; (4) juvenile justice; (5) dropout prevention;…

Preventing dropouts is the main topic of the 12 publications reviewed in this annotated bibliography. A statistical analysis of dropouts in Portland, Oregon, revealed that the correlation by school was far greater than correlation by residential area. In another study, approximately 155 droputs were questioned and most believed that the school…

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,…

Describes the plight of teenage unwed mothers who are unable to complete school. Suggests that the best solution is alternative schools such as those in Austin, Texas, which provide additional services needed by these young mothers and which have sharply reduced the dropout rate. (CJM)

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…

Argues that schools, denying the existence of gay and lesbian youth, have failed to meet their educational and social service needs. Presents two models: Project 10, a Los Angeles dropout prevention program offering education, counseling, and support services; and the Harvey Milk School, an alternative New York high school. (SK)

Determined the prevalence of health-risk behaviors among Texas high school students attending dropout prevention/recovery alternative schools. Student surveys indicated that a substantial number participated in behaviors that placed them at acute or chronic health risk. There were differences in prevalence of risk behaviors by gender,…