From a sample survey of attitudes amongst first-year students at the University of Benin, it is concluded that lack of motivation because of inadequate guidance contributes to the failure rate. Fifty percent of the students did not choose their fields of study and most did not like the "imposed" field. (RDN)

This report describes the attrition rate at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) (Kansas). The overall attrition rate for classes starting in fall 2000 was nearly 12%--during the fall semester 4,652 students dropped classes. Useable drop surveys were completed for 93% of those classes. Findings indicated that: (1) the Science, Math, and Health…

This volume of the journal for the California Association of School Psychologists provides current information on a broad array of topics related to the work of school psychologists. Articles in this volume provide information addressing an assortment of important issues in the field, including: the translations and validation of an assessment for…

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) prepares an annual report on dropouts in Texas public schools. This report includes state summaries of the annual dropout rate, longitudinal secondary school completion/student status rates, and state attrition rates. Out of 1,849,690 students attending grades 7-12 in Texas public schools during 2001-2002, 16,622…

This document addresses the problem of students withdrawing from courses before completion and in the process attempts to devise ways that Mendocino College can aid students complete their courses. The report uses findings from two research reports. The first report was completed at the Florida Community College (FCC), which discovered that 75% of…

This policy brief presents an in-depth look at the dropout issue in Texas in the context of 1986 state legislation that mandated that the schools and state education agency ensure that at least 95 % of Texas youth complete high school. Findings from a study by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), using a high school attrition…

Using a structural equation model of educational attainment, a study extends and supports previous investigations of educational discontinuities among American White and Black males and females by using data from a national longitudinal study. (MSE)

An extension of Tinto's model of the college dropout process was tested with freshmen at an Australian university. The college entrance examination was a relatively valid predictor of whether students will pass, achieve honors, or fail or withdraw. Nonintellective factors were not valid predictors of academic progress. (Author/BW)

Several themes relating to the education and employment patterns of female dropouts are examined, especially trends in women's occupations and technological change: adequacy of career education and guidance, problems of women's entry into nontraditional occupations, male attitudes, and policy considerations. (MSE)

Arguing that reliable and valid dropout rate estimates are prerequisite to establishment of causal factors and intervention programs, this article examines differences in definitions of dropouts, computational methods, and the complexities in defining cohorts, as well as the importance of sample attrition. Several sources of error are discussed.…

Draws on a 1980 survey of 30,000 high school sophomores and 1982 followup to compare rural graduates and dropouts by race, sex, grades, test scores, socioeconomic status, self concept, locus of control, ratings of school conditions, and educational aspirations. Compares urban, rural, and suburban dropouts. Contains 18 references. (SV)

Presents findings from Johnson County Community College follow-up surveys of nonreturning students. Indicates that most nonreturning students had achieved their educational goals, had improved various cognitive and noncognitive behaviors because of their college experiences, and planned to reenroll in college eventually. Describes reasons for…

Interviews with 498 undergraduate students who withdrew from a large western Canadian university and 153 students who continued their studies examined demographic, academic, financial, personal, and learning characteristics. Compares characteristics of students required to withdraw, those who withdrew formally, those who did not return, and…

Examines the characteristics differentiating those who persist to graduation from those who drop out in older (over age 25) undergraduate women. Comparative analysis of 192 graduates and 38 dropouts is discussed. Although motivations for persistence are complex, it is suggested that college outreach programs to increase retention of older female…

Relates that concerns about the dropout rate among physics majors at the University of Montreal (Canada) led to a study of student persistence. Indicates that those who dropped out and those who stayed differed in their perceptions of their skills and knowledge, and their confidence in finishing the program. Presents preliminary recommendations.…