Explains the strategic importance of student retention programs and why they are often overlooked in favor of efforts to recruit new students. Presents a program for retraining different groups of students, based on applications of marketing techniques in higher education. (Author/ABB)

Discusses the high school dropout problem, focusing on young people's reasons for leaving school and schools' efforts to retain them. Recommends more effective primary education, computer programs to identify youth at risk, and coalitions of schools, businesses, and government agencies to pair learning and work experience. Cites 15 references.…

Developing nations have placed high priorities on budgeting for education expenditures so reflect concern over early school leaving and its consequences to their economy. An analysis can give a basis for assessing the relevance or effectiveness of a school system. Here the purpose, scope, previous surveys, sources, organization, and terms are…

No statistically significant differences in dropout rate were noted between directive and nondirective counseling approaches. Suggests future use of different measure, such as self concept, average or attendance. (CJ)

Surveyed college housing officers to provide an overview of the status of retention programs in residence halls. Results indicated most retention activities included traditional programing such as counseling and residence hall activities. Suggests most institutions are only beginning to provide specific retention programs and few keep track of…

Analyzed the effectiveness of a high school program designed to address student deficiencies in English skills while helping students develop an attachment to school within a traditional academic setting. Data analysis indicated that, as a group, students enrolled in the at-risk skills program improved their language and reading skills and…

Examined effect of Summer Fireside Experience Program (SFEP), 5-day adventure-based orientation program, on student retention 3.5 years later. Findings from incoming freshmen assigned to SFEP (N=32), Freshmen Camp (N=64), or Control Group (N=64) revealed that after 3.5 years, SFEP group experienced 12 percent higher retention rate than Camp group…

Explains how teachers and counselors can use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (a self-reporting assessment tool based on Jungian personality-type theory) to help retain high-risk students. Reviews the information MBTI scores reveal about student interest, application/persistence, aptitude, learning type, most appropriate instructional method,…

Enrollment management differs from admissions in its concern for students at every stage of their association with the college. As such, it must address retention issues. Academic advising can contribute to improved retention, but to be effective it must be appropriate. A number of advising models are currently in use. (MSE)

Educators in a range of schools share tools and strategies for successfully working with youth who have become marginalized from school or are at risk of dropping out. The educators emphasize the importance of personally connecting with their students and nurturing the teenagers' interests. They also discuss the challenges of trying to establish…

This report describes a learning assistance program at Lamar University, Texas, designed to improve study skills and decrease attrition among college students through the use of peer counselors. The objectives of this two-credit, non-remedial course are discussed, and the material covered in the 18-week course is described, by week, in Table 1.…

At Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), a proactive, "intrusive" approach to counseling has been developed to identify students who may be at the point of dropping out of classes due to anxiety and frustration. Under this approach, termed the Early Alert Referral System, the advisor takes responsibility for establishing contact with the…

A CURRICULUM GUIDE WAS PREPARED FOR A DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM (ED 010 332) WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO WERE CONSIDERED POTENTIAL DROPOUTS. SELECTION WAS ON THE BASES OF (1) INTELLIGENCE, (2) READING ACHIEVEMENT, (3) GENERAL ACHIEVEMENT, (4) SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, AND (5) SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT. MAJOR EMPHASIS WAS ON PROVIDING THE STUDENTS WITH A SENSE…

A DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM WAS CONDUCTED WITH SLOW-LEARNING, SOCIALLY ALIENATED STUDENTS (POTENTIAL DROPOUTS). FULL-TIME CLASSES WERE ESTABLISHED FOR GRADES 7 TO 12, CONTAINING SPECIAL LEARNING UNITS IN LANGUAGE ARTS, SOCIAL STUDIES, ARITHMETIC, SCIENCE, INDUSTRIAL ARTS, HOME ECONOMICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND WORK EXPERIENCE. THE CURRICULUM CONTENT…

An interview-based survey of 16 young parents in an urban alternative high school attempted to determine why certain youth remain in school after having children. Questions covered staff, setting, and curriculum. The authors suggest implications for dropout prevention. (CH)