Students who are at high risk of dropping out of high school encounter serious difficulties and challenges in their school-to-work and school-to-school transitions. While acknowledging that the prevention of high school dropout requires a comprehensive and systematic helping approach, this article attempts to take a close look at one of the…

Since the beginning of the American experience, labels have been used to describe generations. Among them are the "Puritan generation," the "greatest generation," the "baby boomer generation" and the "MTV generation." Today, people are creating a new generation--the "lost generation." The lost generation represents a large and growing population…

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…

In the discourse of educational policy and practice, applying the term "disaffected" to young people stigmatizes them, and mentoring with the goal of change reinforces the view that there is something wrong with them. Uncritical use of "disaffected" masks real problems in the transition from school to work. (SK)

As job skill levels increase, high school dropout has consequences for unemployment, the nation's economy, and the economic future of dropouts. More than ever, vocational education must investigate ways to tap the potential of dropout-prone students. (SK)

A coordinated effort by all segments of society, led by the schools, can decrease the number of dropouts, increasing the chances that more young people will lead productive lives. Included is a list of sources of dropout prevention activities. (TE)

Increasing numbers of special needs offenders reflect the proportionate growth of the general incarcerated population. Prevention should be aimed at working with local school districts to identify youth with learning problems who may eventually drop out of school. Many of the developmentally disabled and learning disabled persons who end up in the…

Concept of "special education" focuses on schools' duty to develop programs that include and educate even the most difficult of the disabled. The concept of "school failure" puts the responsibility on the students, excluding them, though they also have a "disability.""Zero reject" concept, which includes all students, is recommended. (PS)

Describes one family's unsuccessful experience with a minority student in a foster home situation. Schools are not equipped to handle the special problems of certain students who make up a large percentage of the dropout population. (MD)

A study of over 100 dropouts from schools in the western suburbs of Chicago (Illinois) permitted researchers to develop this descriptive overview of the school experiences and family situations typical among dropouts and to offer suggestions for helping potential dropouts stay in school and adjust successfully. (PGD)

Reports on high schools' efforts to break the academic failure cycle and prevent drop-outs. Describes and reports the outcomes of the peer tutoring/mentoring pilot program developed as part of a major collaborative effort between the City University of New York and the New York City Board of Education. (JK)

Discusses the social consequences of dropping out of high school, the behavioral patterns of dropping out, and predictors of dropping out. Suggests that counselors identify potential dropouts early, start programs targeted to meet potential dropouts' needs, and keep in contact with them. (Author/ABB)

Although the national reports have not focused on the problem, effective schools must address the needs of potential school dropouts. The author rebuts some of the common arguments against dropout prevention programs, arguing that successful dropout prevention is one of the key indicators of overall school effectiveness. (Author/TE)

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…

The authors of the book "Reducing the Risk: Schools as Communities of Support" are interviewed. The book proposes a research-based theory of dropout prevention that stresses the importance of school membership and networks of support. (TE)