Despite many responses to the dropout problem, it remains unclear which school strategies are successful with at-risk students. State initiatives are well intentioned, but have certain limitations. Criteria such as local accountability, school-by-school regeneration and reform, longitudinal strategies, and horizontal coordination are needed. This…

This document reports on a study which examined the causes, manifestations, and prevention of the student dropout problem in Ontario's secondary schools. The methodology and analyses of the three-part study are briefly reviewed in the introduction. Data was gathered by means of focus group sessions plus a province-wide telephone survey using four…

Through the Innovative Approaches Research Project (IARP), four research and demonstration projects are being implemented as part of a single research effort in the following topic areas: (1) dropout prevention, (2) literacy instruction, (3) math and science instruction, and (4) education of exceptional limited-English-proficient (LEP) students.…

This study examined official records on retention from the Department of Education to ascertain national and state status and trends of retention/dropouts. The records showed that since 1983 the retention rate has peaked and is beginning to decline. In this investigation of the dropout situation in Indiana, questionnaires were administered to and…

The comprehensive concept for dropout prevention is a restructuring of the school to serve better the educational and developmental needs of students, based on meeting those needs on an individual basis. The basic approach to serving students is adjusted by lengthening the school day, developing a student support services team, implementing direct…

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG STUDENTS TO STAY IN SCHOOL UNTIL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION AND TO DEVELOP THOSE ATTITUDES, HABITS, AND SKILLS THAT PRODUCE RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYEES. THE PROGRAM IS AN ATTEMPT TO ASSIST STUDENTS ON THE JUNIOR HIGH AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL. STUDENTS SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE ATTEND…

The document reports on a cooperative effort of Greeneville City and Greene County (Tennessee) Schools to develop a comprehensive career education program for grades 7-12, titled School Program Advancing Career Education (SPACE). The document opens with SPACE's rationale, targeted toward the creation of curriculum and instruction to meet the needs…

Although schools can do little to help youth from desperately poor, violent, or drug-addicted families, they can educate other at-risk youngsters who are discouraged or defeated learners. Schools can raise these kids' self-esteem by bestowing serious work assignments, (not "warm fuzzies"), solitary learning space, or external rewards for everyday…

Developed to improve the self-concept and study skills of underachievers, this project brought together 20 ninth graders for 3 periods daily with 1 teacher for English, geography, and supplemental instruction. Results include improved self-confidence, a lower dropout rate, and better grades for 12 students. (MJL)

This report describes and compares different methods used to calculate and report dropout rates; discusses advantages and disadvantages of each method; explains what is known about dropout students; and outlines actions states are taking to reduce dropout rates. Data are presented on whether dropout rates are lower now than in the 1980s in…

A study of 17 dropout prevention programs identified these common characteristics of successful programs: (1) multiple strategies integrated within a single program, (2) placement in environments dissimilar to traditional schools, (3) concentration of resources on a small target population, and (4) emphasis on vocational education and work…

Risks are taken in establishing alternative school programs but they can be minimized by giving the proper attention to several critical factors. (Author)

In Elizabethton (Tennessee) a separate program with one teacher keeps some high school students from dropping out and helps improve their attendance. (Author/MLF)

Describes four core elements of the Wai'anae High School Hawaiian Studies Program (HSP): contextualization of instruction within students' backgrounds; joint productive activity between teachers, students, and community mentors; detracking of students; and teaming and looping of teachers. The HSP is a community-based, culturally contextualized…