This research investigates the oft-criticised segment of the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia--private, for-profit registered training organisations (RTOs)--with the aim of gaining a clearer understanding of the approaches they adopt in training 15 to 19-year-olds who have left school early. Through a nationwide survey…

This report provides national estimates about dropout prevention services and programs in public school districts. The estimates presented in this report are based on a district survey about dropout prevention services and programs offered by the district or by any of the schools in the district during the 2010-11 school year. For this survey,…

This 5-year longitudinal randomized study focused on the effects of a dropout prevention program implemented at two urban high schools. The program incorporated the characteristics of personalization found in previous research to have some positive effects, and typical of the type of programs implemented in many high schools nationwide. The…

The current study replicates work of Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Northeast and Islands. It describes dropout prevention programs in nine Mid-Atlantic Region (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) school districts serving communities with populations of 24,742-107,250 (as of July 2008). All nine…

The current study replicates work of Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Northeast and Islands. It describes dropout prevention programs in nine Mid-Atlantic Region (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) school districts serving communities with populations of 24,742-107,250 (as of July 2008). All nine…

Reviews various alternative education programs. Argues that educators need to balance the alternatives offered within a school district, giving choices to a wide range of student abilities, not just to potential dropouts. (FL)

To help administrators answer important questions about student needs and dropout program effectiveness, this article offers a basic checklist of recommended characteristics, including a cohesive, systemwide strategy; clearly identified at-risk students; well-clarified roles; caring attitudes toward students; tough and compassionate staff; and…

Describes the Personalized Education Program" established by the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools which tries to design opportunities for an educational experience for each student that will take into account his or her needs, interests, and potential. (Author/DR)

Developing an effective program for at-risk students calls for identifying needs that can be addressed through the existing curriculum and using a holistic planning approach. A workable strategy involves establishing a cooperative learning climate, developing an advisory system, providing a good behavior recognition system, and extending student…

One California high school's dropout intervention program succeeded because it was organized to meet student, not organizational needs. The program also had highly motivated administrators, outstanding teachers, student and teacher incentives, secure funding, and orientation toward positive self-image. (MLH)

Whereas the nationwide dropout rate is 27 percent, in Hartford, Connecticut, 39 percent of high school students do not graduate. This factor limits residents' employability in the city's expanding economy. The problem is especially serious among Hispanic students, who comprise 39 percent of Hartford's high school population and account for 47…

Over a four year period, the Continuation Education System Development Project will develop a practical instructional system capable of continuous identification and efficient response to the critical instructional needs of individual continuation high school students, or those who drop out or are pushed out, in La Puente, California. The first…

A Commuter Assistant program is described which was designed to deal with the problem of commuter estrangement from the university. The program was intended to create a cycle of informed commuters aiding other commuters to solve their problems. (Author/EJT)

Binghampton (New York) Schools begin their dropout prevention efforts even before children are born--as early as the third trimester of pregnancy. One intervention program is PACT (Parents and Children Together), which helps parents become better "first teachers." The program's success derives from parents' effectiveness as teachers and…