The likelihood of returning to school among high school dropouts was found to be influenced more by the individual's characteristics than by school related factors. Those who were older, married, had lower educational aspirations, and lived in counties with lower school expenditures were less likely to resume their schooling. (Author/MJL)

A review of studies examining dropping out of high school prior to graduation demonstrates that grade retention is one of the most powerful predictors of dropout status. Addresses the discrepancies regarding the effectiveness of grade retention and deleterious long-term correlates. Presents the transactional model of development, which emphasizes…

Examined the relationship between selected independent variables and graduation from college five years after students (N=1,943) first matriculated. Results showed that the variables accounted for less than six percent of the variability in the graduate/nongraduate criterion with high school rank being the best individual predictor. (Author/LLL)

This study explored predictors of graduating from versus dropping out of high school for 664 youths with severe emotional disturbances. Results indicate that almost 50% of the sample dropped out of high school. Participation in school-based counseling and vocational education was significantly associated with high school graduation. (Author/CR)

Explores the relation between reason for dropping out and substance use in Mexican American and White adolescents. Results revealed that for Mexican American adolescents, substance use was highest among those who left school to be with their friends and lowest among those who left for family-related reasons. Among White adolescents, there were no…

Compares the adequacy of five theories to predict dropping out of high school before the 10th grade. Theories include full mediation by academic achievement and direct effects related to general deviance; deviant affiliation; family socialization; and structural strains. Results reveal that none of the theories was fully adequate to explain the…

Many students who enter public schools leave without achieving what has become the expected minimum level of educational attainment, a high school diploma. The purpose of this study was to contribute to existing dropout-prevention research by identifying and validating reliable decision rules for differentiating actual dropouts from high school…

This study, which examined the demographic and educational characteristics of students who leave school before completing the twelfth grade, aimed to identify descriptive and predictive data on the potential school dropout in the Pasco School District of Washington State. The project was conducted as an initial step toward developing a data…

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)

Using the state-mandated Texas at-risk criteria to identify students at-risk for dropping out, the Austin (Texas) Independent School District (AISD) followed those students for three years to determine the accuracy of the mandated state criteria. The study focuses on the classification and follow-up of 25,587 students in 1987-88, 25,292 students…

An informal study was conducted of the courses selected by ninth grade students who later dropped out of high school. Longitudinal data were available for high school students in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District, from 1978-79 to 1982-83. The courses selected by high-risk students in ninth grade, including extracurricular activities…

To develop and test a theoretical model, based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975), for understanding and predicting the decision to stay in or drop out of school, to identify the specific beliefs that are the basis of that decision, and to evaluate the use of moderator variables (sex, race) to individualize the model,…

One of the concerns expressed by educators nationwide is the alarmingly high numbers of students who withdraw from schools before graduating. In response to this concern, the Austin Independent School District interviewed 95 dropouts in their homes, asking them why they left school and what could have been done that would have enabled them to…

This paper identifies and assesses factors that may characterize students at risk of dropping out, based on a ninth grade class of Cincinnati (Ohio) public school students which was followed for five years, from 1984-85 to 1988-89. The paper aims to develop a quick, easy, and reliable method that teachers, counselors, and principals can use to…

Students who drop out of high school before graduating are of concern to families, educators, and policymakers. To obtain information on the scope of the dropout problem, three sources of national data were reviewed: (1) the Bureau of the Census' Current Population Survey; (2) the Center for Statistics' Common Core of Data; and (3) the Center for…