In order to better understand the factors that contribute to student attrition in community colleges, a study was undertaken to track a cohort of 1990 first-time students at a Florida public community college for 2 years. Once the cohort students were identified, a file was built containing both demographic and academic attributes, including age,…

This document is a set of two volumes that contain prize-winning newspaper articles and summaries of radio and television shows selected as part of the Media Resource Project on Literacy. Items in the 1988-89 book include the following: "Why Daddy Can't Read" (Sally L. Gilman); "The Triumph of Jimmy Sanchez" (Sandra Macias); "Illiteracy:…

This study examined dropout rates for the School District of the City of Saginaw, Michigan. Although a longitudinal study of dropouts has been conducted by the school district for over 25 years, this study begins a new format to coincide with State requirements. The dropout rate is defined as the percentage of students in grades 9-12 who leave…

A study was conducted to determine whether factors found to be related to student persistence in public and independent two-year colleges (i.e., positive college environment, realistic student expectations for career and education, and a sense of belonging) were generalizable to the proprietary sector. Three proprietary institutions in New York…

This literature review summarizes and analyzes the current literature on variables predicting high school dropping out and the relationship between those variables and language minority youth (defined as those who are national origin minorities by birth and who speak, in varying degrees, languages other than English). After the introduction, which…

Focusing on the problems of attrition and retention in community colleges, this paper reviews the literature dealing with the causes of attrition, describes promising practices which attempt to deal with the problem, and offers recommendations to enhance retention. First, the characteristics of students likely to drop out of college are described…

The state-of-the-art in 10 areas of institutional research is considered in this collection of 10 articles. Of concern are: student attrition and retention, academic program evaluation, financial issues and economic impacts of higher education, institutional self-study and regional accreditation, peer studies of institutions, statistical packages…

The problem of high school dropouts has generated increased interest among researchers, policymakers, and educators in recent years. This paper examines the many issues involved in trying to understand and solve this complex social and educational problem. The issues are grouped into four areas, related to the incidence, causes, consequences, and…

This handbook draws attention to the problem of dropouts in Massachusetts and offers solutions to increase the chances that all students will succeed. It suggests the need for systemic, school-based changes to foster learning environments that meet the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of all students and staff. The handbook is…

A longitudinal study was conducted of enrollment patterns and student persistence at the Metropolitan Community Colleges of Kansas City, Missouri. The entire fall 1987 first-time freshman population of 2,994 students was followed from entry through spring 1989 to identify patterns in the enrollment and characteristics of persisters, dropouts, and…

This study uses statistical data from the Current Population Survey to develop new state-by-state dropout estimates as an alternative to those published by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). The following new findings are reported: (1) youth are completing high school at a higher rate than previously noted; (2) variations in dropout rates…

This document combines a review of the literature on Hispanic high school dropouts and urban dropout prevention initiatives with an analysis of the findings of a study of the individual, family, school, and community characteristics of Hispanic ninth grade students in predominantly minority high schools in American cities. The study was designed…

A study was conducted in fall 1981 and spring 1982 to determine whether participation in selected components of Sierra College's (California) comprehensive student development program had a positive effect on student retention among first-time day students. The study focused on individualized counseling-advising appointments; personal development…

A survey was conducted of students who left John Tyler Community College (JTCC) after one or more quarters of attendance. The purposes of the study were to establish the students' primary goals for enrolling, evaluate whether their goals were achieved, identify the reasons for their withdrawal, ascertain their current activities, and determine…

Part I of this paper reviews research on effects of vocational course work on dropout rates, probabilities of employment, earnings, productivity, and basic skills. The review is organized around 10 questions. Answers to these questions include: (1) vocational education lowers dropout rates; (2) economic benefits are substantial; (3) economic…