Argues research investigating distance education drop-out problems hasn't been based on comprehensive theoretical models; suggests Spady, Tinto, and Boshier's theoretical models are relevant to such research, since they reflect importance of exploring aptitude-treatment interactions in investigating drop-out problems; and proposes that the…

This annual report presents comprehensive findings about high school completion and non-completion in Texas public schools. It includes state summaries of the annual grades 7-12 dropout rate used in the accountability system and a new series of longitudinal high school completion/student status rates. The series includes four-year rates for…

In the Wake County, North Carolina, Public School System, there was a duplicated total of 1,230 students who dropped out of school. Of these, 4 were in grades K-6, and the rest were in grades 7-12. These students were first-time dropouts or had dropped out in previous years (duplicated dropouts). There had been a steady decline in the dropout rate…

Raising graduation rates for students attending schools in the United States is a national priority. As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, schools are required to track and report the percentage of students who graduate with a regular diploma in four years. The magnitude of the problem for student subgroups (including students of Hispanic and…

Results of the investigation suggest that the size of the high school or community is related to academic persistence. The degree of incongruence between these social and academic environments (high school vs. college) may require a personal adjustment beyond the capability of some students. (Author)

The purpose of this paper is to describe and comment upon patterns and problems in studies surveyed. These relate to (a) the definition and perception of early school leaving in different settings; (b) incidence and treatment of factors considered as antecedents or consequences; and (c) the research designs and methodology employed. (JB)

Article asks the question Should the Anti-Dropout Campaign" be Curtailed? Suggests that dropping out of high school is overrated as a problem. (Author)

Advocates collecting student background, needs, and goals data to match students with appropriate programs and thereby counteract the high dropout rate. Uses medical analogies, in which each case is "curable," but only after assessing all relevant information. Descries the lack of dropout research and suggests a prescriptive admissions policy. (JG)

Examines the academic trajectories of a cohort of grade 8 students. Results showed that students are most likely to drop out during the first three months of the calendar year, which indicates that this is a critical time for students that demands a collaborative response across schools to support students as they make the transition from middle…

Examines patterns of drug use and other delinquent behaviors among students and school dropouts in six inner-city neighborhoods. Finds no correlation between substance use, delinquency, and dropping out, but does find that all dropouts were characterized by weak family support systems and social isolation. (FMW)

Results from a study of students from two high schools indicate that by using data from students' permanent records, dropouts could be differentiated with 66 percent accuracy in third grade and with 85 percent accuracy by ninth grade. School-attending nongraduates could be identified with 77 percent accuracy by ninth grade. (IAH)

This sequential, three-phase study used quantitative analyses to examine the characteristics of student dropouts and the characteristics of schools successful and unsuccessful in mediating dropouts. Narrative profiles were created to describe types of students and types of dropouts. Phase I consisted of three parts, each using the student as the…

This chapter examines the current state of research and knowledge about the Chicano dropout problem. In 1986, in every age group, dropout rates were higher for Chicanos than for Whites or other ethnic or racial groups. National dropout rates have improved slightly for Hispanic and Mexican-origin populations since 1980 but remain more than twice as…

This report on secondary school dropouts consists of an analysis of the scope and nature of the dropout problem, a discussion of successful programs and activities for dropouts, a description of a pilot study involving Minnesota public secondary schools and Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) agencies, and presentation of…

In 1988, the United States Congress passed legislation that created the School Dropout Demonstration Assistance Program (SDDAP). The program provides funding for local educational agencies, community-based organizations, and educational partnerships to establish effective programs to identify potential student dropouts and prevent them from…