This study tested Tinto's theoretical model of attrition. After controlling for student sex, academic aptitude, and personality attributes, freshman persisters were found to have a significantly higher frequency of interactions along six dimensions than were voluntary leavers. (Editor/LBH)

Students who dropped out of college were divided into those with a satisfactory grade point average (nonacademic dropouts) and those who were forced out due to a low grade point average (academic dropouts). Contrary to previous research findings, it was discovered that nonacademic dropouts were not characterized by underachievement. (Author)

Mt Diablo High School began a six-phase dropout prevention program in 1986. It involves a summer transition program for freshmen, training for freshman teachers, ongoing follow up, reduction in class size, ninth grade performance review, and the creation of a ninth grade opportunity class for second semester freshmen students. (MD)

Describes a conference to consider the features of successful dropout prevention, including support for public awareness of efforts to prevent dropping out. Recommends mentoring, student assessment, gainful employment, incentives, and caring. Includes remarks from and descriptions of presentations. (DHP)

Describes a study that assessed the contribution of schooling to cognitive development by comparing the cognitive development for high school graduates and dropouts over a two-year period. Reports that the cognitive skills of students who stay in school improve more than those of dropouts and that dropping out harms disadvantaged students most.…

Examined the relationship between drug use and graduation among 526 high school students. Results indicated the majority of drug users dropped out, compared to only one of four non-drug users. In a multiple regression analysis, controlling for demographic, personal and family variables, the severity of drug use still predicted failure to graduate.…

Defines student drop-out; presents data illustrating when external students are at greatest risk; explores reasons for the drop-out phenomenon in light of the distance education theories of Otto Peters, Borje Holmberg, and David Stewart; and lists suggestions to reduce early attrition rates and improve distance education institution functioning.…

This is the second in a series of issue briefs to be written for The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement during 2006. In this issue brief, the author examines what recent research says about high school dropouts and explains the powerful role schools can play in keeping students on track to graduate. The latter includes…

This biweekly newsletter contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. It is designed expressly for parents and families. This issue highlights an announcement, by U.S. Department of Education Secretary Rod Paige, of a contract to the National Institute of Statistical Sciences to convene a group of experts to review…

College student retention has become the area of research that has done the most to integrate various administrative factors and academic disciplinary concerns in the research agenda of higher education. V. Tintos model has long been cited as the major theory in explaining dropout behavior. As his theory is so intertwined with path analysis,…

As a whole, Hispanics drop out of high school at higher rates and attain lower levels of education than non-Hispanics. The relative recency of migration among Hispanics may at least partially account for this trend. The status dropout rate for an age group (the percentage of that age group not enrolled in school and that has not completed high…

This report describes the demographic and at-risk profiles of the official secondary school dropout students and the remaining Austin Independent School District secondary student population for school year 2004-2005.

Article presented a plan to reduce the rate of student dropouts and make the educational environment more stimulating for learning. (RK)

Significant monetary benefits, due mainly to increased and improved labor market participation, found in combined in-school and summer Neighborhood Youth Corps programs, although no net benefit in high school retention and graduation rates. (MF)

A questionnaire was completed by students withdrawing from the University of Alberta during the 1970-71 session. In addition to obtaining biographical information, reasons for withdrawal were grouped into six basic categories: financial, academic, personal, extracurricular, health, and living arrangements. These findings are discussed in relation…