Concerned about the persistently high dropout rates from big-city secondary schools, education leaders are trying a new approach to increasing the graduation rate--multiple pathways to graduation. Multiple pathways initiatives are relatively new and far from proven. Even the most advanced examples face significant issues, i.e., the need to…

This paper addresses educational reform as it affects dropouts, minorities, diverse cultures, training programs, and community-based education. Effective dropout-prevention models are presented that address the needs of at-risk populations. The author states that much dropout prevention and reclamation takes place off of school district campuses…

For some youth, schools provide more structure and stability than any other source. Project Pioneer, a pilot project at a Wichita (Kansas) high school, helps create a support base for high risk youths entering high school. Success depends on extensive staff training and close counseling for potential dropouts. (MLH)

Surveys alcohol and drug-use behaviors in relation to HIV/AIDS risk among 212 youth in dropout-prevention programs. Alcohol and drug use and age of sexual initiation are significantly associated with high risk. HIV/AIDS-prevention programs need to target alcohol and drug use as important influences on risky sexual behavior. (MKA)

At-risk students are often poor and members of minority groups. Solutions to the dropout problem are inseparably tied to combating poverty and could stimulate far-reaching educational change. Researchers have identified several elements of successful dropout prevention programs, including the need for early prevention; aggressive leadership;…

The analysis of proposed or implemented programs for increasing the achievement of at-risk students in all grades is the purpose of this report. Its focus is on identifying effective organizational responses, programs, and practices that improve the achievement of all at-risk children. Schools currently respond to poor academic performance with…

The 1987 American Association of School Administrators survey on students at risk reported that school districts and administrators are alarmed about increasing dropout rates and are taking action to stem this tide. This report analyzes the problems of at-risk youth and recounts ameliorative efforts throughout the United States. Section A reviews…

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…

The problems associated with truancy and failure to complete school in the state of Maine were examined by an advisory committee of legislators and personnel from schools, prisons, and state government. The committee was directed to describe the incidence of the truancy and dropping out, to ascertain some of the causes of these problems, and to…

This guide suggests that truancy is not just a school problem but a community problem, and the whole community needs to come together to devise solutions. This monthly action kit provides tools to help communities combat truancy. It contains: (1) important facts about truancy; (2) some ideas on how to assess the local problem; (3) actions that can…

When students help teach one another, active learning, listening, and a spirit of cooperation flourish. A reciprocal tutoring program in three New York City high schools allows all students to be tutors and learn through teaching and has all tutors experience the tutee/apprentice role. This experimental program had better achievement results than…

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that in 1992 approximately 4.5% of all high school students dropped out of grades 10 through 12, and 11% of all persons in the age group 16 through 24 had not completed high school and were not currently enrolled. The Communities in Schools (CIS) network is a web of local, state, and national…

Early school leaving within the first five years of secondary education was studied in the Netherlands using a sample from the national Educational Priority Policy study. Over 5,000 students were selected initially. Some 4.7% appeared to have dropped out without the educational system's basic qualification by the fifth year for a variety of…

This directory of social programs that focus on the African-American male lists 145 programs grouped by state. Information for each program includes the sponsoring organization and contact person and a brief description of program goals and the target population. The programs deal with a variety of issues, but there is an emphasis on sex education…

"A Vision for the Future" is a comprehensive long-range plan to study, develop, implement, and evaluate an ambitious dropout reduction program in the Charleston (South Carolina) School District. The program entails: (1) improved data reporting on student performance, grade retention, and attrition to identify dropout indicators and risk…