In an effort to discover variables which predict potential dropping out as early as ninth grade, this study collected data on two groups of students in a single high school. Although the sample was limited, a fairly accurate combination was uncovered: age, IQ, arithmetic achievement and father's occupation. It is hoped that early identification…

Research supported by Research Grant 5-RO1-MH-12187 from the National Institute of Mental Health and grants from the University of Minnesota.

Recent survey data show that 23% of students with disabilities drop out; highest attrition was among students with emotional disturbances or learning disabilities. Failure and dislike of school were primary reasons. Similarities between dropouts with disabilities and those in the general population suggest the same prevention strategies could be…

Georgia's drop-out rate is among the highest in the nation. Relying on statistics to design programs can be misleading. An in-depth study of South Georgia high schools shows the importance of developing drop-out programs for specific situations and students. The six schools helping to develop "Danny Dropout" and "Pine County High…

Investigates reasons for black college students dropping out of school. Information received from 46 ex-students reveals that, in order of importance, academic failure, financial problems, social environment, and full-time employment caused them to drop out of school. (GLR)

Describes a program for helping middle school dropouts to enter high school. Details the process for assessing program need; recaps efforts to include younger dropouts in a program; and reports success in determining a solution to the problem of overage students in middle school. Lists 13 program strengths and four criteria for gauging success.…

Presents high school dropout and completion rates for 1999, as well as time-series data for 1972 to 1999 using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's October Current Population Survey and universe data from the Common Core of Data (National Center for Education Statistics). Also examines the characteristics of high school dropouts and completers in…

With the reality that school districts and states are now being required to report high school graduation rates under the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act, the accuracy of dropout data is becoming a major issue. For more than a decade, the official dropout figures came from a consensus definition used by the National Center for…

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between 8th grade student data and the level of student success at the end of the ninth grade year. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the Meleis (1986) Transition Theory and it was a mixed methodology research study that employed both qualitative and quantitative…

Institutional reforms have been proposed to improve the delivery and financing of education. School Based Management (SBM) is one such institutional reform where decision making is transferred to the school level. Funds are transferred directly to the school and parents, along with teachers and the principal, allocate and oversee the use of…

The General Educational Development (GED) credential is issued on the basis of an eight hour subject-based test. The test claims to establish equivalence between dropouts and traditional high school graduates, opening the door to college and positions in the labor market. In 2008 alone, almost 500,000 dropouts passed the test, amounting to 12% of…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) ESEA [Elementary and Secondary Education Act] Reauthorization Shifts to Middle and High Schools: Senate HELP [Health,…