Students who drop out of school face a difficult future. For students with disabilities, the risks are intensified. Their dropout rate is about 40 percent--more than twice that of their peers without disabilities. However, families can play an important role in making sure their student with or without disabilities graduates. This brief provides…

This report builds upon a series of National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports on high school dropout and completion rates that began in 1988. It presents estimates of most rates in 2004, provides data about trends in dropout and completion rates over the last three decades (1972-2004), and examines the characteristics of high school…

The dropout rate is one of the most critical issues that Canadian educators face. Based on a 3-year study in the greater Toronto area, this book established a new frame of reference for understanding the dropout dilemma. This book suggests that race, class, gender, and other forms of social difference can affect how education is delivered. For…

Describes strategies used in a successful program to reduce dropout, failure, and suspension rates among Black and other minority group students in an urban high school. (ST)

Cites references from the ERIC junior college collection which relate to retention and persistence in the community college and includes a bibliography of doctoral dissertations on the subject. (AYC)

Discusses the Young Adult Learning Academy (YALA) in Manhattan, which offers an opportunity for school dropouts to get an equivalent of a high school degree and partake in job preparation programs. Describes the role of technology and the Youth Internship Program which trains students to work in day-care centers. (AEF)

Statistical analysis of a sample of the 1979 entry cohort to Lancaster University indicates that the likelihood of non-completion is determined by various characteristics including the student's academic ability, gender, marital status, work experience prior to university, school background, and location of home in relation to university.…

Reviews research on instructional practices that help at-risk students. The programs reviewed fall into three general categories: prevention programs at the primary level, classroom change programs, and supplementary/remedial programs. Lists general features that characterize these programs. (TE)

The conventional wisdom on how tomorrow's scientists are identified and trained in elementary and secondary schools is being questioned. The importance and reasons behind encouraging students to stay in science and mathematics are emphasized. (KR)

Outlines what school administrators can do to increase their understanding of local dropout programs and to decrease dropping out. Suggestions include analyzing local data, instituting early tracking of potential at-risk students, creating alternative programs, reorganizing to improve school climate, and initiating new forms of student assessment.…

Reviews information on American Indian dropouts. Surveyed 991 American Indian women, aged 17-36; found no simple formula for school success or dropping out. However, an important factor in the lives of women who completed high school or college was the support of their families, particularly mothers and grandmothers. Contains 56 references. (SV)

Much literature on American Indian dropouts accepts cultural discontinuity between home and school as an explanation for the high Indian dropout rate, despite little proof from research. An exclusive focus on culture and curricular innovation obscures the possibility that economics and social structure may be more important factors. (SV)

Reviews current literature on dropout prevention strategies and suggests intervention strategies that might be appropriate for small rural schools. Discusses unique characteristics of small rural schools and considers strategies of early identification, networking, group counseling, family counseling, academic tutoring-counseling combinations, and…

The decisions of 83 American Indian undergraduates to drop out of school were investigated based on the influence of their self-beliefs, social support, and comfort. Although all three accounted for academic nonpersistence decisions, social support was the strongest predictor. Discusses implications for increasing academic persistence of students,…

Reports on how the Self-Monitoring Scale was used to predict academic and social integration among 380 community college students. Finds that among men, high self-monitors were more likely to achieve social integration than low self-monitors while low self-monitors were more likely to integrate academically than high self-monitors regardless of…