Historically, higher education research has focused on traditional students (i.e., recent high school graduates at a residential, 4-year institutions), but community college students are quickly becoming the new traditional student (Jenkins, 2012). In the fall of 2011, more than one third (36%) of all students enrolled in postsecondary education…

This year's study is the 35th in a series of annual reports on trends in dropout and attrition rates in Texas public schools. The 2019-20 study builds on a series of studies by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) that track the number and percent of students in Texas who are lost from public school enrollment prior to…

Through the use of event-history techniques, we will show that a duration framework is adapted to the analysis of higher education attrition. Our dropout model allows for estimates to vary over time. While some factors exhibit constant effects, like high school characteristics, other effects do vary from the first year to the fourth. Men and women…

This document presents a review and theoretical synthesis of recent research on dropouts in higher education. The first chapter deals with defining dropouts from college, and in considering the various meanings applied to that term, suggests some needed modifications in the definition. The second chapter reviews recent data on dropouts in order to…

After a methodological critique of attrition-related research, factors associated with attrition in higher education are outlined. They include demographic, academic, motivational, personality, college environmental, financial, and health factors. Student reports of reasons for dropping out, the withdrawal procedure, and programs for dropout…

A study examined the rates of and reasons for students leaving New Hampshire summer vocational programs and identified models that could be implemented to reduce attrition over the summer in these vocational programs. After examining 1981 enrollment data pertaining to New Hampshire regional center vocational program leavers, researchers determined…

This report contains research findings on student achievement and retention at New York City alternative high schools serving dropouts and potential dropouts. After a summary and introduction, statistics are presented which reveal that alternative schools facilitate positive changes in student performance. Next, reasons for students' dropping out…

The design and development of a computerized student flow model at Eastern Montana College and its use in monitoring student enrollment are considered. In addition, guidelines are presented for adapting a flow model to the dimensions of a particular institution. Particular emphasis is given to reviewing the criteria that researchers should use…

The problem of high school dropouts has generated increased interest among researchers, policymakers, and educators in recent years. This paper examines the many issues involved in trying to understand and solve this complex social and educational problem. The issues are grouped into four areas, related to the incidence, causes, consequences, and…

The findings of a computer model designed to project the number and educational profile of young people leaving the school system to enter the labor force in Canada in the 1980's are reported. The four-tiered computer model utilized in the study projects elementary-secondary enrollment, college and university enrollment, "leavers" from…

This book provides a synthesis of wide-ranging research on student attrition at American colleges and universities and outlines actions that institutions can and should take to reduce attrition. The key to effective retention is shown to lie in a strong commitment to quality education and the building of a strong sense of inclusive educational and…

This study was conducted to develop, implement, prototype test, and disseminate a model guidance training program that can be used to prevent the high rate of student dropouts in rural Texas schools. Two school districts, New Caney and Waller, served as demonstration sites for prototype testing. The program was designed by a team of…