The construct validity for potential high school dropouts (N=252) of Holland's theory of vocational choice as measured by the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) was studied. Results indicate Holland's theory is appropriate for potential high school dropouts and by implication, for other high school students. (Author)

This report outlines strategies, developed by a state-legislative committee, for reducing the dropout rate in Colorado. The committee also investigated alternative methods of completing a high-school education program and ways of stressing the importance of education to Colorado youth. To gather information, testimonies provided by students,…

A Delaware school district developed partnerships with local businesses that helped lower the dropout rate by 32 percent. Students who meet some minimum qualifications are selected, and local businesses provide entry-level jobs, mentors, and the promise of jobs after the students graduate. (MLF)

Compared drug involvement among 203 low-risk typical high school students and 160 youths at high-risk for school problems and dropping out. High-risk students, compared to low-risk youth and national statistics, endorsed much greater breadth and depth of drug use, greater access to drugs, less drug use control, and greater adverse consequences…

Derived profiles of college students likely to be retained versus not retained from sample of 934 entering freshmen who completed general attitudinal questionnaire containing noncognitive item measuring positive self-concept. Results pointed to several important differences between potential persister and nonpersister students. Gender differences…

Disadvantaged Mexican dropouts aged 16-22 (n=25) and 25 Hispanic elementary students completed dropout-prediction instruments. Elementary students were unable to consider their future and self-report was not viable for them. Among dropouts, pregnancy and moving around were salient predictors. Modifications of the instruments were recommended. (SK)

Students with disabilities are increasingly enrolled in postsecondary education, yet many of them are not prepared to cope with the rigor of higher education. Students who do not have the skills of self-empowerment often experience frustration and discouragement in the postsecondary setting, leading to their dropping out of school and eventually…

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…

An overview of issues and problems in identifying and predicting dropouts is presented in this Digest. The topics discussed are as follows: factors associated with dropping out; defining and calculating dropouts; problems in prediction; the usefulness of current prediction models; and suggestions for improving prediction. The recommendation is…

The methods and formula developed by the National Center for Education Statistics for the collection of dropout counts and the formula have been topics of some discussion among various states, including Nevada, and especially Arizona. This paper highlights, from a state's perspective, some of the conceptual, methodological, and statistical…

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…

A survey of 194 California high schools.

The guide is designed to provide the building level administrator a step by step model for implementing Project DEEP's (Diversified Educational Experiences Program) alternative classroom management system for secondary academic classrooms with disaffected (attendance problems, discipline problems, potential dropouts), average, and gifted and…