In fulfilling their mission to provide services to diverse groups, community colleges often find that their retention rates suffer as a result. Current research reviews the theoretical basis of retention, focusing on how it pertains to two-year schools in particular. Numerous variables influence persistence, and there is some support for…

The GEAR UP Austin: Impacting Lives program serves a cohort of approximately 3,369 seventh graders from 10 Austin Independent School District (AISD) middle schools and 28 seventh graders from the Texas Empowerment Academy charter school. More than half of these students come from low-income households, and many are considered at risk. This…

This study investigated the educational circumstances of Aboriginal students in inner city high schools in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is based on a literature review and interviews with Aboriginal high school students, Aboriginal school dropouts, adult members of the Aboriginal community, and teachers. Results indicate that there is a…

This study examines the relationship among Chicano students' sense of belonging to colleges and universities, their cultural development, and their subsequent persistence. A survey questionnaire was given to a random sample of 687 Chicano students at 3 institutions of higher education in San Diego: a University of California campus (247 students),…

The greatest factor affecting retention of minority students is the degree of institutional commitment. Recruiters must be more creative; orientation programs must be relevant to minorities. Minority staff members must be visibly involved. Student participation in peer groups and academic commitment also aid retention. (JAC)

The effectiveness of agricultural/vocational New Secondary Schools as an instrument for change in the Pacific Solomon Islands is examined. (f=fiche numbers). (CP)

In discussing Rafe-uz-Zaman's essay on adult literacy and national development (see v9, n1 of this journal), the author cites examples to support his thesis that mass literacy campaigns in predominately agricultural countries can be successful only if there is simultaneous undertaking of economic development programs focused on the rural poor. (MF)

Social work practice in public schools is challenged by the rising poverty, homelessness, dropout rates, and delinquency of students. This increasingly diverse and disadvantaged student population is currently converging with more punitive and rigid public schools. Presents multicultural-diversity education as a promising approach that is…

Traditional schooling falls short of preparing students for real-world experience in failing to incorporate informal, "in-context" learning situations. Reviews the literature on experience-based education and cites several successful urban programs that involve students in the educative community through learning experience, career…

Examines the high dropout rate among elementary and middle school students in Changed Prefecture. Lists and discusses four factors that contribute to this situation. Describes student attitudes toward school: studying is useless, excessive amounts of school work are given, misunderstandings concerning job placement exist, and tuition is high. (KO)

An alternative method for social problem solving is proposed involving increased collaboration between university researchers and school personnel. Academicians can assume the role of external change agents in addressing such educational equity issues as student dropouts. Collaboration should include a humanitarian basis, a problem focus, and a…

Suggests that contrary to popular opinion, leaving school at primary level does not lead to unemployment, but to self-employment in rural areas of Kenya. Identifies employment profiles which help self-employment, and examines use of school acquired knowledge and skills in self-employment in order to make recommendations for improvement of…

In most cases, an optometry student's academic difficulty can be traced to some underlying cause other than academic preparation. Preventive measures should include admission restricted to students meeting selection criteria, pre-enrollment academic enrichment, appropriate support services and remedial programs as needed. (MSE)

Among 1,607 American Indian and Anglo dropouts and currently enrolled middle- and high-school students, language difficulties and problems with teachers were predictive of academic troubles and dropping out. Success of Indian students was related to stronger Anglo cultural identity and better English proficiency (in mainstream schools) but was not…

Urban elementary school teachers completed a checklist designed to determine a profile of the most significant factors that caused students to be at risk. Results indicated there were eight important factors: academic risk, behavior and coping skills, social withdrawal, family income, parenting, language development, retention, and attendance. (SM)