This document is one of eight in a series of guides designed to help teach and counsel troubled youth. It focuses on the problems of students who are not interested in school and who may be considering dropping out of school. The problems associated with dropping out are explained and the need for an education is emphasized throughout the lessons.…

This article discusses school-related indicators among learning-disabled adolescents at risk of dropping out and potential interventions. Absenteeism, discipline problems, low achievement, and grades are considered as early warning signals and appropriate/effective teacher responses reviewed. Findings indicate that at-risk students can be…

This novel and accompanying workbook tell the story of a young girl who had an awakening that made her realize that dropping out of school was wrong. It tells her story of achieving her dream, realized through sacrifice and determination, of graduating high school and attending college. The accompanying workbook presents vocabulary exercises,…

Improving retention in adult literacy programs is of great concern for both instructors and administrators. A learner-centered program is a must for improving retention. In such a program, a support system for learners should be readily accessible. Instruction should be based on students' goals, and program staff should be available to help…

Many functionally illiterate freshmen feel helpless in the face of their inability to learn to read at a competent level. College freshmen who drop out because of this disability are losers who suffer tremendous disadvantages when they leave college without earning a diploma. Possible causes of functional illiteracy hindering the least educated…

Maintains that free reading and film study constitute a powerful arsenal against the barriers reluctant student learners erect. Describes the successful use of both techniques with a class of seniors who had all failed junior English. (SR)

Institutions of higher learning must focus on new ways to serve the at-risk student and the black male at-risk student in particular. By developing and implementing a plan, any teacher can foster retention of at-risk students, even in the absence of institutional support. Twenty effective techniques are: (1) learn students' names; (2) assign…

Describes an experimental, team-taught, low level ninth grade English class which emphasized writing. Discusses students, their writing, the use of journal writing, ability grouping, and what the classroom environment was like. Notes that students improved in all their other classes during the semester they spent in this class. (SR)

Discusses three approaches to help teachers of alienated students ward off despair: (1) separating soluble from insoluble problems; (2) finding curriculum content that is interesting and involving to teachers and students; and (3) acknowledging within themselves some of the feelings and behaviors teachers find so appalling in their most difficult…

This handbook is designed to provide teacher trainers with ideas and resources for preparing preservice teachers to effectively teach at-risk students. Based on case studies, the booklet provides a framework for fostering a more structured contact between at-risk students and teacher trainees. The first section profiles 12 case studies describing…

Describes a teaching approach successful with 1960s at-risk students, in which literature was carefully selected for readability, interest, brevity, and literary quality. Notes that all activities were literature-based and that discussion was short and text focused. Explains that each lesson was a miniature language arts curriculum and that…

This monograph provides home economics educators with a resource that contains an overview of youth at risk, reviews motivation theory as a basis for educational decision making, and provides practical teaching suggestions that will help home economics teachers reach and teach these students. The guide is organized in five sections. Following a…

This module identifies the at-risk student and addresses strategies and effective programs for dealing with the at-risk population. The guide includes a list of definitions and uses a question-and-answer format to define at-risk students, discuss reasons for dropout, and provide information on early identification of risk, the effect of dropping…

This practitioner's guide is designed to provide an overview of a schoolwide study skills program that accommodates individual student learning styles of at-risk students who may be potential dropouts at the secondary education level. The schoolwide skills model described here is appropriate for all grade levels especially secondary levels as it…

This instructor's guide is part of a series of program materials for a school-based intervention process to help at-risk students stay in school. This instructor book, a related student book, and a videotape called "A Time of Choices" comprise the classroom component of this set of materials focusing on awareness and commitment. It addresses the…