Recent research shows that variation in teacher quality has large effects on student performance. However, this research is based entirely on student test scores. Focusing on high-school math teachers, this paper evaluates teacher quality in terms of another educational outcome of great interest--graduation. I use a unique instrumental variables…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "From No Child Left Behind to Every Child a Graduate": New Alliance Report Outlines Policy Framework for…

Improving retention in adult literacy programs is of great concern for both instructors and administrators. A learner-centered program is a must for improving retention. In such a program, a support system for learners should be readily accessible. Instruction should be based on students' goals, and program staff should be available to help…

The problems associated with truancy and failure to complete school in the state of Maine were examined by an advisory committee of legislators and personnel from schools, prisons, and state government. The committee was directed to describe the incidence of the truancy and dropping out, to ascertain some of the causes of these problems, and to…

This West Virginia community resource guide discusses the growing crisis of school dropouts, reviews some of the consequences of dropping out of school, and provides guidance for schools and communities who seek to initiate a dropout prevention program. After an introductory overview of the dropout problem; the human, health, and educational…

A questionnaire survey sought to determine the characteristics of part-time university students in Great Britain, the reasons why they choose part-time study, the difficulties they encounter, the extent and incidence of non-completion, and to identify examples of "good practice" in the provision and management of part-time degree…

This report outlines plans to reduce the dropout rate of Detroit (Michigan) Public Schools from the present 45% to 34% by 1990. First, current efforts to improve pupil learning experiences and reduce the dropout rate are listed. These are divided into three types: (1) early interventions (identification of adjustment or learning problems and…

This study examines the reasons why Hispanic youth drop out of school. Three groups of Hispanic interviewers gathered information from a total of 245 Hispanic dropouts. Eighteen teachers interviewed 140 dropouts, 15 adolescents interviewed 72 dropouts, and 33 businessmen, of whom 6 responded to the interview for a relative who had dropped out. The…

This bibliography provides brief annotations of 12 journal articles, project reports, and books on programs for dropout pregnant and parenting adolescents. Most of the documents cited describe particular programs in American cities. (KH)

While attitude has long been recognized as a precursor to behavior, overt behavior does not consistently indicate attitude. To compare the attitudinal differences of successful students and potential high school dropouts toward teachers, education, parent/peers, and school behavior, 42 students in grades 9-12 completed the Demos D Scale. An…

Some research findings show that vocational education courses deter teenagers from dropping out of high school. Traits identified in potential dropouts by the research include being from a poverty-level home, having a lower intelligence score, and having a lower grade point average. These traits are shared with students in vocational education…

This publication provides statistical data about dropouts and graduates of the Iowa public schools for the year 1988, presented in the form of tables and graphs. These tables and graphs are included: (1) fiscal 1988 secondary school dropout rate compared by state enrollment categories and merged areas; (2) dropouts compared by gender for state…

This study presents an evaluation of a program in which the Austin (Texas) Independent School District's School-Community Guidance Center (SCGC) employed three project specialists to work with incorrigible and delinquent students at three locations: Travis County's Gardner House Detention Center and F. R. Rice High School and F. R. Rice Middle…

To give Congress the information it needs to make informed decisions about initiatives aimed at school dropouts, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) has published a two-phase report: Phase 1, "School Dropouts: The Extent and Name of the Problem" (see ED 274 756), completed in 1986, provides information on the dropout rate, characteristics of…

The essential subject matter of this book is the college dropout problem. In a study of persisting and nonpersisting students, home and college environments were considered as well as personal and academic characteristics to determine if any of these areas were related significantly to the student's decision to leave or remain in college. The…