This paper describes the development of a predictive model to determine potential high school dropouts and identify areas for intensified assistance at the individual or group level. V. Tinto's (1975, 1987) model of college attrition was validated for use with high school students in rural, low socioeconomic areas of the Southeast. Ex post facto…

Culturally diverse minority groups make up 40 percent of America's deaf and hearing-impaired school population but only 14 percent of special education teachers. In addition, 90 percent of deaf students have parents who can hear, and one-third reside in rural areas. Although they are primarily Euro-American, hearing, and untrained in deaf…

The purpose of this fastback is to help teachers find out how children acquire a second language and explore the linguistic foundations on which sound English as a Second Language (ESL) curricula can be developed. It is intended for the regular classroom teacher, not the ESL specialist. Central findings in research on second language learning…

This theme issue focuses on strategies to enhance learning of English as a second language and on the importance of bilingual education. In "Bilingual Education Makes the Difference in Learning," Roberto Feliz, who was born in the Dominican Republic and is now a doctor, describes how bilingual education saved him from academic failure…

This book considers how children form connections with the natural world, and questions what may happen to children denied exposure to wild places--a reality for many children today. Two men draw on memories of their own childhoods and on their experiences as naturalists and as fathers to tell stories of children learning about wild places and…

According to the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, the main elements of a drug-free education program should focus on valuing and maintaining sound personal health; respecting laws and rules prohibiting drugs; resisting pressures toward drug use; and promoting student activities that are drug-free and offer healthy…

This review of literature organizes and categorizes recent research on at-risk students, concentrating on resilient at-risk students. Programs that have been effective in promoting the success of at-risk students are reviewed, and a file of resources on at-risk students has been compiled. The 61 resources located in this study are organized in the…

An internationally acclaimed program that challenges American notions of appropriate early education is the municipal early childhood program in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The town's liberal financial support of child care and citizen membership in school committees indicate strong community support. Parents are involved in school policy discussions,…

This report outlines the role of after school programs (Juku) in preparing Japanese students for high school and university entrance examinations and presents some growing concerns about the movement. Juku plays a major role in insuring the success of Japanese students on tests administered within the country and on international comparisons made…

The Des Moines (Iowa) Plan for Student Success provides an academic program for about 6,500 students having difficulty in reading/writing and/or mathematics in K-12. The Plan is a comprehensive kindergarten through grade 12 program with five components: (1) a Kindergarten Enrichment Program; (2) the Reading Recovery Program; (3) the…

Major arguments, both pro and con, for applying the "schools of choice" approach to educational improvement in Detroit (Michigan) are described, and the results of a recent public opinion survey are reported. The main argument of proponents of school choice is that it will improve the quality of public education. Opponents of choice do…

This publication is the first annual yearbook of the Bank Street College of Education (New York) and discusses the effects of actions by educators and others in light of concerns for equity, focusing on New York City schools. The volume includes scholarly chapters and chapters on policy and advocacy, and authors address practical and theoretical…

A study was done to determine whether or not the attitudes of parents and teachers were related to the academic achievement of their inner-city Memphis (Tennessee) elementary school students. Seventy-one teachers, 49 parents, and 32 fourth-grade students served as participants. Teachers' responses were used to supplement the development of the…

This report reviews the facts underlying the debate about delinquency in the United States, focusing on evidence of how well various approaches to crime succeed in practice. Do youth programs such as family therapies and recreation initiatives actually make a cost-effective contribution to controlling crime? Research supports a strong foundation…

A study on family structure and values among the poorest of all welfare recipients, homeless families found that not only has the traditional family structure broken down, but that there are stark contradictions between the reality of the lives of homeless women and the values they hold. The traditional family may actually be obsolete for this…