Reviews research on the characteristics of the dropout (relationships, socioeconomic status, attitudes, behavior, school performance); the economic and social costs of dropping out; and current efforts for dropout assistance or dropout prevention. (SJL)

Reports on data taken from the General Social Survey that found a link between "heavy metal" rock fanship and suicide acceptability. Finds that relationship becomes nonsignificant once level of religiosity is controlled. Heavy metal fans are low in religiosity, which contributes to greater suicide acceptability. (Author/JDM)

Discusses results of a survey of 148 off-campus students formerly enrolled in Deakin University (Australia) to assess factors that influenced their decisions to leave/withdraw. Implications of the findings for quality assurance in higher education and the development of more flexible modes of distance education are suggested. (Author/LRW)

This grounded theory study was designed to investigate the factors that influenced 20 "traditional" university freshmen to withdraw prior to the end of their first year at two Midwestern universities. A two-hour audio-taped interview was conducted with each of the participants, and the grounded theory method was utilized to analyze the interview…

Background: Early school leaving and dropout are widely recognized as problems, leading to further marginalization and exclusion of young people from society at large. The Finnish government has set a target that, by the year 2008, 96% of those who complete compulsory education will continue without interruption in secondary education or in the…

Problems associated with determining attrition rates and causes of attrition in the Regents External Degree Program of the University of the State of New York were studied. Students were defined as having dropped out of the program if they had not paid their annual records fee (registration fee). Data are provided to compare attrition figures to…

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…

In spring 1984, a three-part withdrawal study was conducted at Glendale (Arizona) Community College (GCC) to investigate reasons for course withdrawal, and official and unofficial college withdrawal. Study findings, based on responses from 138 students who withdrew from courses, 282 students who officially withdrew from GCC, and 9 students who…

This document contains a collection of essays written by students in General Educational Development (GED) programs. The students had dropped out of high school and are now seeking an equivalency diploma. In the essays, students discuss why they quit school, how well they did in school, what they learned there, and whether it was difficult for…

The results of the first semester's work of the Withdrawal Office of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, are presented in four reports. A brief historical overview and introduction by Deborah Hazel Johnson describes the objectives of implementing a withdrawal procedure, the purposes of the Withdrawal Office, and procedures that were used…

Abbreviated version of the atuhor's EdD dissertation (Boston University, School of Education, May 19, 1968).

Part I of this report presents background information on the problem of increasing dropout rates in the Phoenix Union High School District. Factors affecting the dropout rate are discussed, and dropout figures are given for the Phoenix Union High School District as well as for neighboring districts. Part II provides a summary of the education and…

A survey of the school dropout problem in the United States focuses attention on (1) defining school dropouts, (2) the magnitude of the dropout problem, (3) types and extent of research on school dropouts, (4) why pupils drop out of school, (5) factors leading to early school withdrawal, (6) what happens to school dropouts, (7) employment…

An attempt has been made in this paper to show that the pushout is a complex person, that he has a kaleidoscopic personality, presenting no one image to his peers, his parents, his teachers or his prospective employer. He means many things to many people. If we are dedicated to helping all students succeed optimally, it behooves us to understand…

The basic objective of this exploratory study was to attempt to locate specific areas of university life that might be related to undergraduate student attrition. During the 1972-73 academic year at the University of Miami, student satisfaction and dissatisfaction in 34 areas of University of Miami student life were examined (via four field…