Current efforts to encourage students to persist are not stemming the tide of drop-outs. Estimates of the high school dropout rate range from 10-30 percent (Hardy 2002). The impact of having no high school diploma causes these students to experience economic and social struggles throughout the time in life that should be their most productive. One…

The impact of academic programs--such as developmental mathematics programs--on student retention, has been a controversial topic for administrators, policy makers, and faculty in higher education. Despite deep interest in the effectiveness of these programs in retaining students, scholars have been unable to determine whether such programs have a…

This booklet addresses the issues of school attendance, truancy, chronic absenteeism, and the problems faced by school dropouts. An introduction to these topics is followed by a series of questions and answers on school attendance and absenteeism. Questions focus on why students are absent from school, what they do when they are truant, how they…

Annually, a statewide school dropout study is conducted in New Mexico. The purpose of the study is to gather and publish information bearing on the extent and nature of the dropout problem in New Mexico public schools. Data on the grade, sex, ethnicity, and reason for dropping out were collected for students who prematurely discontinued their…

This policy brief looks at the problem of dropouts. The first report, by Todd Fennimore, from the National Center for Research in Vocational Education, provides a national perspective, focusing on dropout incidence and specific factors associated with dropping out of school. Strategies for dropout prevention are presented from both literature…

A questionnaire was administered to students who withdrew from two academic institutions - a teachers' college and a state university - to study their reasons for leaving. The most important reason for students' withdrawal was their feeling that the institution did not offer an academic experience that met their personal objectives. (Author)

This study sought to determine what effect the utilization of a penalty or no-penalty drop policy would have on retention of students at Pasadena City College. It was found that there was a significant difference both in grades received and the retention of students as a result of the adoption of a 16 week no-penalty drop policy at the college.…

Describes an alternative program designed to recapture dropouts and integrate them back into the regular school program. (IRT)

The author examined school district reports on the dropout problem from several large urban school systems, looking specifically at the definition of dropout, information collection procedures, and the method used to determine the dropout rate. The need for greater consistency in such reports is discussed. (MT)

Presents conceptual framework for understanding problems encountered by dropouts in school-to-work transition; underlying assumption is that dropouts are likely to face strains in homes, jobs, and other community settings similar to those which led to their dropping out. Also discusses exemplary school and work programs for dropouts. (CMG)

A survey of 133 inmates without high school diplomas in Texas prisons ascertained their reasons for dropping out of public schools. The desire or necessity to work were most commonly cited. Only 12 percent felt that dropping out contributed to their incarceration, although over 75 percent said they should have stayed in school. (SK)

This bimonthly newsletter provides information about the progress of the Honor States Grant Program, a governor-led effort to improve college- and work-ready graduation rates. This issue explores strategies for dropout prevention and recovery. Progress of three states is highlighted. Suggested resources for policymakers are provided. Contents…

This report presents new evidence on the number and characteristics of Hispanic high school dropouts in comparison to other high school dropouts. Examining trends over the 1990s based on the latest available Census data, it documents how the aggregate published Hispanic high school dropout rate overstates the number of Hispanics leaving U.S.…