Advocates the implementation of a formal youth apprenticeship program similar to that of the German system, which offers incentives to employers, students, and educators. Argues that such a system would increase the productivity and economic opportunities of non-college minority youth and reduce at-risk behaviors. (FMW)

Results from an evaluation of 11 academy programs in California high schools designed to reduce dropout rates in the state are reported for 1987-88. Results of the matched comparison study were generally positive, and the estimated net economic benefit from dropout prevention for 327 students was 1 to 1.3 million dollars. (SLD)

This paper addresses the preparation of teachers to work with students who are both handicapped and at greater than average risk for dropping out of school. The paper describes teacher training program components including teacher/mentor skills training, academic and vocational skills training, interpersonal skills training, and parent involvement…

An evaluation was conducted of a 3-year demonstration program the purpose of which was to demonstrate the efficacy of projects that included vocational education as a key component in encouraging at-risk youth to remain in or return to school. Six of the 10 project grantees, funded under the Cooperative Demonstration Program of the Carl D. Perkins…

A study compared the ninth-grade performance of students who were randomly admitted to New York City career magnet high schools to those who were randomly not offered seats in those schools. The research measured the effect of career magnets on students of average and low reading ability whose academic records were not strong enough to gain them…

This booklet was developed to accompany the videotape that summarizes the results of the project, "Educational Excellence through Career-Vocational Education." The 3-year project generated development of a comprehensive guidance plan, initiated curriculum review, involved counselors with teachers and curriculum, provided a means for closer working…

This report describes the Dade County, Florida, comprehensive K-12 program for decreasing the dropout rates of all students, with emphasis on minorities. The program involves a number of different components which provide students the opportunity and support for participation in academic and vocation-oriented courses and training programs. The…

Seventeen activities or programs conducted in the Dade County (Florida) public elementary and secondary schools in order to reduce or prevent dropout are described in this resource guide. The programs activities include: (1) workshops to develop school-based dropout prevention programs; (2) "Students Working Intelligently to Combat High…

Vocational education has a significant role to play in dropout prevention because studies show a positive correlation between involvement in vocational education and school completion. Students involved in vocational education are more likely to be involved in school-sponsored activities that help them shape goals for themselves and the future.…

The Bridgeport (Conn.) Career Education program has three basic functions: (1) preparation for career choice through the study of self-appraisal or self-realization and occupational information, (2) career preparation through basic education skills, employability skills, actual skill attainment and related skills, and (3) placement and follow-up.…

The Job Upgrading Program helps school dropouts and potential dropouts either return to or adjust to the regular school program or become prepared for the world of work. Trainees are given the opportunity to take an abbreviated school program, receive highly individualized personal counseling, learn about the factors for achieving success in a…

This paper discusses the outcomes of two intervention models designed to prevent students with disabilities from dropping out of school in Finland. The first model, the "Creating Own Career" model, is based on the main ideas of the City as School projects. The model is designed to emphasize young peoples' own motivation,…

Interventions aimed at community college administrators, instructors, and counselors were shown to have a positive effect on academic year completion rates of vocational students when compared to nontreatment colleges. Treatments included a goal setting procedure, training in personalized systematic instruction, and training in counseling…

This report presents findings on school leaving, part of a 5-year study on the transition of youth with disabilities from secondary school to early adulthood. Telephone interviews were conducted in 1987 with parents of approximately 8,000 youth (ages 13 to 21 and enrolled in special education in 1985-86) representing all 11 federal special…