A new survey shows that six states enroll more than 90 percent of their residents who attend college, with students more likely to leave their home states to attend four-year than two-year colleges. (MSE)

An explanatory model of dropping out of school is presented. A test of the model in four high schools revealed the following: (1) data on dropouts underestimate the true figures; (2) junior high experiences are important correlates of dropping out; (3) institutional procedures need to be changed; and (4) outreach programs are needed. (VM)

This article assesses the usefulness of short-term program performance data in judging the relative effectiveness of Supported Work and in targeting program resources to those most likely to benefit from them. The results reveal evidence of significant negative impacts for youth who left the program for negative reasons. (Author/CT)

Unable to provide needed transportation for 1,000 high school students, a California school district cooperated with the county transit district to bus the students. The successful project included extra buses on existing routes, adjusted school hours, special bus stops at schools, and free student passes. (MCG)

Complete sets of notes on an introductory psychology course were obtained and analyzed, and information about class attendance and the quantity, organization, and presentation of the notes was collected. Variables based on this information were then correlated with performance on two final examination papers. (Author/MLW)

A random sample of regular attenders and a sample of chronic absentees at a community college were studied to identify the reasons for absenteeism and the nature of the absentees. The absentees are little different from the regulars, but two basic causes for absenteeism are suggested. (Author)

This study explores whether propensity score methods produce unbiased estimates of program impacts by comparing experimental and propensity score impacts of dropout prevention programs on four student outcomes (dropping out, absenteeism, educational aspirations, and self-esteem). It also estimates the standard error of propensity score impacts…

Policymakers, educators, and researchers recognize the importance of community colleges as open door institutions that provide a wide range of students with access to college. At the same time, competing demands for the state funds that would support community colleges have resulted in reduced public allocations and higher student tuition fees.…

This digest explores truancy in the urban context, examines the different types and reasons for truancy, and reviews the new ways that researchers and intervention programs are addressing this problem. No national data on truancy rates exist, but many larger cities report staggeringly high rates. The relationship between race or income and truancy…

The author calls attention to the attendance counselor and the role he plays in the guidance team. (BY)

A study of transcripts of adult students and younger counterparts to examine patterns of credit load, stopping out, and the flow from special student status to matriculant is presented. Results support earlier findings about academic achievement, and presents new evidence that adult students' pace is generally brisker than previously assumed. (MSE)

Four indices of achievement relative to a measure of general intelligence were constructed for a sample of 178 adolescents. Measures of achievement were taken from tests in reading comprehension and mathematics, from an English essay, and from the results of public examinations at 16+. (Author)

This paper presents data from the Inner London Education Authority Literacy Survey on the reading attainment of Black British students. Black British attainment was significantly lower at the age of eight years, and by school-leaving age was relatively lower still. Attainment was only marginally affected by length of education. (CT)

Three procedures to modify excessive absenteeism were implemented by an elementary school principal and assessed with an across-subjects multiple baseline design. Intervention with parents, approval for attendance, and disapproval for absences produced sustained increases in attendance and parent-initiated contacts with the school. (Author)