The author presents an overview of the dropout problem, pointing out that what is really a diverse set of problems requires multiple approaches. (MT)

Identifies basic issues relevant to the development of dropout prevention programs. Considers (1) risk factors leading to dropout, (2) nine possible target groups for dropout intervention, and (3) four possible constraints (cost, burden, directions, and laws) that will influence the consideration and selection of new policies or programs. (IW)

This presentation describes dropout facts and prevention methods based on nationwide interviews with dropout runaways. Potential dropout runaways might be labeled the "distracted ones." They have trouble concentrating in a typical classroom situation as they are distracted by events that happened at home or that might happen after school. Such…

The authors outline an agenda for research on the dropout problem, arguing that a comprehensive program of research should include data on student characteristics, school processes, the act of dropping out, and the economic and cognitive consequences of the failure of large numbers of students to complete high school. (MT)

Integrates existing literature with the authors' research that examines resiliency (students in danger of dropping out of school who are able to develop stable, healthy personas and are able to recover from or adapt to life's stresses or problems). Suggests a model to explain resiliency that can be used to better understand why these students have…

A look at national and particularly urban dropout rates reveals that the disadvantages of high school dropouts, relative to their graduate peers, are confounded by race, ethnicity, social class, and gender. Their troubles in terms of employment and earnings are more devastating today than they were 20 years ago. Quotes from Chester Finn present…

This paper examines available information on early identification of students at risk of prematurely dropping out of school. Many factors such as drug use, lowered educational achievement, delinquency, and unemployment appear to be consequences of dropping out, yet cause and effect is often difficult to define. A variety of school related,…

Few studies have been conducted on nontraditional student attrition in postsecondary vocational educational programs. This lack of attention is due to methodological limitations, lack of priority on data collection in vocational education, and lack of perceived need for research. The conceptual model of student attrition in postsecondary…

This report examines how high stakes assessments affect dropout and high school completion rates. The focus is on five suggestive lines of evidence about this relationship. This evidence is drawn in part from studies done at Boston College or by researchers for the National Board on Educational Testing and Public Policy. The conclusion drawn is…

Research studies trying to understand, predict, and control dropout from distance education display various points of view and quite a few build on one another at a conceptual level, but their findings are rarely generalizable outside the situations in which the research is conducted. Although academics claim that new work on dropout should be…

Current demands for educational excellence will probably help better students get better; may help average students, who struggle, to enhance achievement; but may create more dropouts among poor students. Students with low grade point averages benefit little from exposure to tougher courses and suffer from loss of vocational and general education…

Critically evaluates recent statements and actions by federal and state officials who do not realize the efforts that will be necessary to raise school standards. Reviews kinds of standards proposed by current reform, considers their effects, and discusses the conditions under which at risk students could respond positively to higher standards.…

This paper examines the potential influence of school reform policies on the high school dropout rate. We summarize a diverse set of reports on American education which recommend increasing academic standards in schools as a means for improving secondary school performance. We also describe our understanding of the processes by which youngsters…

This book examines the thesis that teacher burnout and student dropout stem from the same source, a process of alienation causing students and teachers to "give up on school." The first chapter outlines the size of the problem and some of the specific conditions that contribute to it. The second chapter examines the context of cultural…

This comment is a response to a paper on noncompletion rates in United Kingdom universities (Johnes and Taylor 1989). The causal inferences are ill founded because they are based on data aggregated to university level. Individual-level data are essential, and data on other levels may also be necessary. (Author/MLW)