After reviewing research on national trends concerning private versus public schooling, the author examines how private school options in the Chicago metropolitan area might affect academic achievement for various demographic groups. Although the vast majority of students in suburban schools graduate from high school, with a high percentage going…

Achievement testing is the centerpiece of the state accountability systems mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Accordingly, the public attention directed towards achievement scores has largely eclipsed the crucial role that graduation rates play in NCLB accountability, at least until recently. As a new body of research on…

Part One of this book discusses the curricular cases, curricular changes, needed changes in instructional delivery, and the visible and invisible dropout. Part Two provides new data on delinquency and dropouts, alternative centers for learning, noncurricular changes, immigrant and seasonal farm workers, and current prevention practices. This book…

A survey of students in the community and technical colleges and four-year college of the University of Akron showed withdrawal often occurred because of job conflicts, financial problems, and need for a temporary break. Nonpersisters would have been encouraged by improved counseling and advising, financial aid, and instruction. Persisters would…

Suggests that college administrators redirect their attention from studying attrition rates to enacting retention strategies based on responding to student needs and providing a more meaningful educational experience. Several studies dealing with the development of retention programs are reviewed. (JAC)

Analysis of a survey of freshman women at a land-grant university included 12 possible determinants of student satisfaction, intent to leave the college, and dropout. The labor model seems applicable to colleges and universities, but is not sufficient to explain the dropout process. (MSE)

Some policy initiatives can be effective with some forms of dropout in some subpopulations. Reduction, rather than elimination of attrition, and transfer as a means of meeting student needs should be considered more seriously. (Author/MSE)

Describes a study comparing the scores of 515 community college students on communication apprehension measures to published norms of 4-year students and working adults. Finds that community college students had higher apprehension levels than both groups. Suggests that higher communication apprehension levels can lead to higher levels of…

Using self-determination theory, the authors tested a motivational model to explain the conditions under which rural students formulate their intentions to persist in, versus drop out of, high school. Analyses showed that the provision of autonomy support within classrooms predicted students' self-determined motivation and perceived competence.…

A management information system developed in Santa Clara County monitors K-12 students through their school years. The data reflect up-to-date demographics and changes in students' behaviors and characteristics. School districts are able to identify areas of program strengths and weaknesses so that changes can be made. (MLF)

Issues that emerged within the context of an Australian national project on secondary education--"Reports and Records of Achievement for School Leavers"--are addressed. The role of external examinations, move toward standards-based assessment, certificates/records, tertiary selection, reporting, student-to-teacher relationship, teacher…

Suggests ways to improve educational access and choice for Hispanics on the elementary and secondary levels that will increase the number of Hispanics enrolled in Illinois colleges. Analyzes research by a State task force, as well as quantitative and qualitative data from other studies. (FMW)

Examined attendance problems in a group treatment program for test anxiety at a college counseling services program. Analyzed data collected over 13 years from 736 students. Found that shortening the program from 1.5 days to a single day and instituting a $5 deposit against attendance significantly reduced attendance problems. (Author/PVV)

Educator and researcher specializing in student retention, Tinto discusses own experience leaving doctoral program to join Peace Corps, reviews internal and external causes of attrition, characteristics of successful retention programs, and role of teaching in retention. Favors establishing a sense of community on campuses to enhance students'…

Describes a study that examined which factors made a difference in distance learners' achievements and their continuous enrollment status over one year in the Korea National Open University. Results of a path analysis discusses learners' job load, grade point average, study time, social integration, face-to-face activities, and drop-outs. Contains…