In 1983, the Des Moines (Iowa) Schools applied for approval to use the allowable growth funding provided in Senate File 2168 to expand and create additional programs for the prevention of dropping out as well as programs for students who had dropped out but were returning to school. The original proposal included the following: (1) an expansion of…

The school dropout rate is a problem which educators cannot solve alone. It will take a total societal effort to design solutions. This document presents the ideas and strategies discussed at a conference on dropout prevention attended by leaders of national education organizations. Theoretical as well as practical suggestions are given to begin…

STEP, THE SCHOOL-TO-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM, IS A STATE-SPONSORED EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT TO HELP PUPILS IN GRADES 7 THROUGH 10 WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS POTENTIAL DROPOUTS. IT IS DESIGNED TO PUT INTO EFFECT A PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION AND SCHOOL-SUPERVISED WORK-EXPERIENCE THAT WILL DEVELOP HABITS, ATTITUDES AND SKILLS ENABLING STUDENTS TO OBTAIN SUITABLE…

Project SAIL (Student Advocates Inspire Learning) is a Title IV-C Project located in Hopkins, Minnesota, designed to prevent students from dropping out of school by keeping them successfully involved in the mainstream environment. This study presents a review of other dropout prevention approaches, describes the intervention strategies involved in…

Argues that most dropout prevention attempts have been hampered by the lack of an unbiased, coherent and easily accessible source of data on the total and at risk populations of young people. Provides preliminary data on several groups of students not characterized by traditional dropout descriptors. Offers recommendations for improvement in…

A review of data regarding minority dropout rates in secondary and postsecondary education points out these students' vulnerability to dropping out and suggests several possible remedies, including establishing programs aimed toward pregnant students, students with income needs, and students who are dissatisfied or unfamiliar with the educational…

Some 40 individuals from 12 Central and Eastern European partner countries and experts from Austria, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom participated in a roundtable session designed to stimulate discussion and action on reforming vocational education and training (VET) so that it can prevent youths from dropping out of school and experiencing…

Used modeling and role playing to strengthen the cognitive and social skills of students in a high school with high dropout and delinquency rates. Subjects who received special training were able to think of more adaptive ways of approaching problematic situations, and perform more effectively in a self-presentation situation. (Author/JAC)

One Washington state school district uses mariachi music lessons to engage Hispanic students in school and deter them from dropping out. The district's dropout rate is very low, despite its high Hispanic population. Students in the top-performing mariachi groups say that participating has motivated them academically. Just as mariachi has…

Describes a South Carolina program, "Tender Loving Counseling," designed to identify potential dropouts for group and individual counseling. Describes focus of the program to be on building self-concept, motivation, and study skills. (TE)

Educational excellence is necessary to develop productive citizens and a productive work force. To achieve this excellence, schools must address the learning styles and motivations of students; the guidance and counseling staff can aid in meeting this challenge. (JOW)

The authors of the book "Reducing the Risk: Schools as Communities of Support" are interviewed. The book proposes a research-based theory of dropout prevention that stresses the importance of school membership and networks of support. (TE)

Most discussions about at-risk students focus on remedying deficiencies in basic skills, often narrowly defined as English literacy and ability to perform mathematical computations. Omitting appealing subjects from a "streamlined" curriculum will only worsen the situation. Through careful planning, administrators can add the power of music to…

Discusses "Choices & Changes," a program designed to reshape the way young people think about their choices. Suggests that economic education can show students that they possess meaningful skills and knowledge and can improve both. Examines program goals, themes, outcomes, and philosophical issues. (DK)

This paper addresses educational reform as it affects dropouts, minorities, diverse cultures, training programs, and community-based education. Effective dropout-prevention models are presented that address the needs of at-risk populations. The author states that much dropout prevention and reclamation takes place off of school district campuses…