The "Survey of Academic Orientations" ("SAO") measures six orientations in college students believed to represent desirable or undesirable perspectives. Previous research established the connections of "SAO" orientations with grades and persistence. This study shows the extended utility of the "SAO" as an early warning indicator, enabling advisors…

Participants were 360 (52.2% male) ethnically diverse and academically at-risk first-grade children attending one of three school districts in southeast and central Texas. Using latent variable structural equation modeling, we tested a theoretical model positing that the quality of the teacher-student relationship in first grade predicts…

This report from the United States Surgeon General is the result of a review of the scientific literature and analyses of new data relating to youth violence. It identifies and quantifies factors, in particular settings of combinations, that increase the probability that violence will occur. It also presents an array of interventions of…

Concurrent and predictive relationships between peer harassment and problem behavior were examined for middle and high school students as well as gender differences in these relationships. Students recruited in fifth through seventh grades (n = 223) and their parents provided quarterly questionnaire data and were followed up into high school. As…

This document reports on the design and development of a comprehensive longitudinal monitoring system that allows for the identification of at-risk students and the evaluation of district programs and services by one high school and five elementary school districts in California and the School of Education at San Jose State University. The goal of…

Describes a study of the cultural literacy of developmental, nondevelopmental, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) college students and their high school preparation to determine whether high school was a significant factor in accumulation of cultural literacy. Offers suggestions for improving the cultural literacy of developmental students.…

Reviews dropout characteristics; identifies the components of an overall dropout prevention approach; and describes the role of legislation, school administration, and public-private collaboratives in developing dropout prevention strategies. Emphasizes the use of public and private resources to improve the opportunities of the disadvantaged. (FMW)

Sixteen premedical students from underrepresented minority groups participated in a six-week, six-course program at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (Illinois). Academic performance before and during program participation was compared for students subsequently offered or denied admission. Accepted and denied students could be…

This introductory article discusses a study that investigated how at-risk students are defined in each of the Canadian provinces and Northern Territories and similarities in the definitions in the policy-making and policy implementation arenas. Different types of students that may be at-risk are described. (Contains references.) (CR)

Beginning in 1992, Atlantic Community College, in New Jersey, conducted a 4-semester study to determine which factors resulted in student attrition and whether the factors that affected retention changed during the study period. The study population included 119 degree-seeking students who entered in January 1992 and who took the state's basic…

Presents the results of a study that tracked the educational progress of a group of first graders from 1982 to 1996. Examines the children's personal qualities, first-grade experiences, and family circumstances as precursors to dropping out in high school. Identifies dropping out as a long-term process of disengagement. (MJP)

Public schools in Manitoba (Canada) are encountering an increasing number of students who are considered to be educationally at risk. This paper addresses the provision of effective services relating to at-risk youth and the prevention of early school dropouts. The paper's first section covers the circumstances and conditions associated with early…

A study of a continuous quality improvement effort at Auburn University (Alabama) is reported. The study investigated variables predicting which students are at risk of failure. Data were drawn from the records of pre-engineering students enrolling at the university in fall terms of 1991 and 1993-95 (n=2,505). Data sources included achievement…

Between spring 1992 and spring 1995, California's Southwestern College (SWC) conducted a study on the characteristics of students on academic or progress probation. The study was done as part of the Matriculation Research and Evaluation Plan to assess academic outcomes for SWC students. The report explores the demographic and educational…

During the last two decades, estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau have suggested that the U.S. high school completion rate was steadily rising and nearing 90 percent. In the last few years, however, estimates from independent researchers have contradicted this rosy picture and found much lower completion rates ranging from 66.1 percent to 74.4…