Researchers have been working to understand the high dropout rates in computer science (CS) education. Despite the great demand for CS professionals, little is known about what influences individuals to complete their CS studies. We identify gains of studying CS, the (learning) environment, degree's usefulness, and barriers as important predictors…

Background: Students' identities and sense of belonging in a program affect whether they stay in engineering. Research suggests that students' ways of knowing and beliefs about what counts as knowing and learning -- their personal epistemologies -- can be aspects of their identities, or sense of self as knowers and learners. Purpose/Hypothesis:…

Student attrition continues to be a significant and costly challenge for higher education institutions across the globe. In Australia, universities cite the importance of addressing student attrition through strategic statements and policy documents, and expend time and resources on the problem. Despite vast expenditures, they have made little…

This study examined a sample of 2,475 undergraduate students to determine the influence of financial stress, debt loads, and financial counseling on retention rates. Results indicate, among other findings, that financial stress contributes to an increased likelihood of discontinuing college. Self-reported student loan debt contributes to an…

Identities extend standard models that explain student motivations to complete courses at technical college. A differential hypothesis was that profiles of identities (individuality, belonging and place) explain the self-concepts and task values that contribute to participation, considering demographic factors (age, gender, location, paid work).…

High school dropout has been associated with negative outcomes, including increased rates of unemployment, incarceration, and mortality. Dropout rates vary significantly depending on individual and environmental factors. The purpose of our study was to use an ecological perspective to concurrently explore student- and school-level predictors…

Students suffer from stress as a result of many factors, including educational unpreparedness, financial strain and inability to integrate socially. This mixed methods study aimed to investigate stress levels of undergraduate students in a post-1992, Scottish university and the potential for measures of stress to act as an indicator of a student's…

Despite recent declines in high school dropout rates, thousands of young Canadians continue to leave high school every year without a diploma. Currently, approximately 20% of Canadians aged 20 years and over have never completed high school. Most Canadians recognize the link between educational attainment and quality of life, and know that…

Teachers and administrators in public high schools recognize there is a dropout problem, know they are confronted with daunting challenges in classrooms and in schools, and express strong support for reforms to address high dropout rates. Yet, less than one-third of teachers believe that schools should expect all students to meet high academic…

This document presents witness testimony and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing. Statements are included from Representatives Claude Pepper, Carl Perkins, Charles Hayes, and Nick Rahall. Witnesses providing testimony include: (1) Joseph Fernandez, Superintendent of Dade County Public Schools, Florida; (2) Nan Rich, who describes…

Suggestions made to curb the dropout rate include these: hands-on experiences need to be provided, rigid standards need to be modified, positive self-images should be developed, modular or flexible scheduling and realistic educational media should be employed, and teachers must care for each student as an individual. (SC)

Reviews literature on dropouts and considers group counseling as a possible solution to the dropout problem in high schools. Emphasizes the need for early identification and intervention with potential dropouts. Discusses school counselor's role in working with these at-risk students. (NB)

PROGRAMS AND MATERIALS WILL BE DEVELOPED, FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CHOSEN AS POTENTIAL DROPOUTS, TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON SPECIFIC NEEDS. THE CLASSES WILL BE TAUGHT IN A NONSCHOOL SETTING BY A TEAM OF TEACHERS IN INDUSTRIAL ARTS, HOME ECONOMICS, SCIENCE, MATH, COMMUNICATIONS, READING, AND FINE ARTS. THE TEACHERS WILL COMBINE THESE AREAS INTO…

A study was undertaken to examine the performance of Puente Project students compared to that of Mexican-American students and Anglo-American students in community colleges. Surveys and interviews with Puente counselors were conducted to explore methods and techniques used to deal with potential dropouts. A comparison was made of the number of…

This report on California dropouts draws on a large body of current research and features the correlates known to be associated with dropouts. It also details what is known and not known about the magnitude of the dropout phenomenon. Section I provides an introduction to the report. Section II presents a description of the reasons that students…