This booklet addresses the issue of high school dropouts. The dropout problem is briefly reviewed and dropout statistics are presented. A section on identifying the dropout lists early warning signs of potential dropouts and examines reasons for dropping out. Seven profiles of dropouts are included which provide personal insights, describe…

Early, accurate identification of potentially at-risk students is crucial to developing effective dropout prevention programs. Checklists are commonly used by schools and agencies to identify potential dropouts. Unfortunately checklists have several weaknesses, e.g., it is difficult to know how many characteristics must be checked before deciding…

This essay examines characteristics of high risk students, institutional problems related to their presence in schools, and various solutions to these problems that have been implemented at the secondary, junior college, and collegiate levels. Areas discussed in which high risk students may differ from other students include cognitive ability,…

Mentoring at-risk students has become one of the fastest growing and frequently used strategies across the nation to help young people. This document examines the structure and implementation of mentoring programs. Chapter 1 discusses mentoring as an appropriate and effective strategy. The mentoring relationship is examined, natural versus planned…

In 1987, the Governor of Alaska's Interim Commission on Children and Youth was given two tasks: (1) to develop a plan for a first-class child care system for working parents statewide that is workable, fair and sensibly integrates with the public schools; and (2) to produce a comprehensive plan to combat the problems facing Alaskans so they are…

This paper attempts to furnish background information on, problem analysis of, and recommendations for developing programs for out of school youth in less developed countries. The paper defines important factors contributing to the general situation of out of school youth in these countries. Out of school youth include those who have no access to…

Reexamines definitions of "ruralness" and "resources." Describes three types of support services common to human service agencies. Discusses influence as a program development resource, advantage of rural programs, incumbent social work roles related to resource development, and what makes a program successful. Lists four program development…