This report is the second part of a study which sought to determine whether there is a set of in-school factors which might help explain the differences in dropout rates among schools with very similar student bodies. The study was designed as an in-depth ethnographic examination of four pairs of Chicago (Illinois) public high schools. One school…

This publication is designed to accompany the "Dropout Prevention" manual (1984) and to serve as a guide for the staff development training of administrators, faculty, and staff in the initiation of a dropout prevention program. The staff development program contains materials to assist staff in becoming aware of the scope of the dropout…

The purpose of this study was to: (1) investigate some of the causes of lack of discipline in secondary schools in the Congo Republic according to teachers, students, and parents; (2) look into the effects that discipline problems have on the students' performances and their development as responsible citizens and (3) suggest or recommend measures…

Family and demographic factors, such as parental deviance, disturbed homes, delinquent siblings, and poverty, are useful predictors that some form of childhood deviance will occur. They are not sufficiently specific, however, in predicting its quantity, variety or type. In this paper evidence is sought which would explain deviance in children as…

Presents results of attendance norm violations survey at a Native Canadian adult education school. Examines whether school administrators' perception of violations as deviance is shared by students and Native community representatives. Discusses ambivalence of formal academic expectations versus encouragement for students to retain cultural…

This report analyzes data provided by the Chicago Public School System, Illinois on Latino majority schools, noting implications for the Latino community. Data come primarily from school year 2000-2001 and include 140 elementary schools and 16 high schools. Findings describe the composition of the Latino majority according to student enrollment,…

Examined the effectiveness of the Wisconsin Learnfare experiment that requires teens to attend school regularly as a condition of receiving family financial aid. Findings from state social services data reveal that, despite a $1.5 million "savings" attributed to the program between September 1988 and December 1989, tremendous family…

Examines relationships between academic achievement and general self-esteem in light of variables of deviance, motivation, psychological distress, illness, and school absence using data from 242 high achieving students in grades 7 through 12 in a private, independent coeducational preparatory school. General self-esteem influences and is…

It is estimated that between 3.3 million and 10 million children in the U.S. witness physical violence between their parents each year. This type of violence ranges from overhearing some form of violent behavior from their bedrooms, to seeing severe acts of violence such as beatings or assaults with guns and knives. In many cases, these youth…

This article reports the aggressive outreach efforts exerted by various schools in fighting truancy among its students. These actions were driven in part by the No Child Left Behind Act, which required schools and districts to improve their students' academic performance or face sanctions. According to educators, ensuring that students show up for…

This is the 10th annual report on conditions affecting the Racine Unified School District RUSD). Analysis continues to focus on the long-term historical trends in RUSD, comparing RUSD to nine peer school districts and the State of Wisconsin. RUSD peer districts are Wisconsin's largest (Milwaukee Public Schools are not included) and their…

A survey was conducted of young people who left school in Scotland in the 1993-94 academic year (the 1994 leavers). The survey sought information on the educational and employment activities of young people after they leave school, and their views and experiences of school itself, as well as background characteristics, such as parents' level of…

The truancy problem has become one of the most troubling issues that school administrators face while attempting to reform public education. This paper describes the legal evolution of efforts to reduce school truancy and the economic impact of truancy on society. Solutions range from reducing the number of required years of schooling to…

Truancy is a major problem in the United States that can have negative effects on the futures of young people. Truancy may lead to dropping out of school; may be a precursor to delinquent and criminal activity; and places students at higher risk of being drawn into behaviors involving drugs, alcohol, or violence. Furthermore, truancy has high…

The High School Intervention Centers Program (HSICP) of the Detroit (Michigan) Public Schools was developed to provide an alternative for high school students who were identified as performing below grade level in English and mathematics and who exhibited the self-defeating behavior of truancy. The program provided an opportunity for ninth graders…