This study compared performances on the MMPI of 350 college freshmen constituting three academic statuses; good, dropout, and probationary. Only a few differences are significant between good students and dropouts on any of the MMPI scales regardless of sex or race. (Author)

A continuing study of an advisory service to students who need to change courses or universities or want to drop out. (IR)

A survey in the North Central area of policies and practices applied to students who marry while enrolled in public secondary schools. (Author)

A study of 17 dropout prevention programs identified these common characteristics of successful programs: (1) multiple strategies integrated within a single program, (2) placement in environments dissimilar to traditional schools, (3) concentration of resources on a small target population, and (4) emphasis on vocational education and work…

Rated community mental health clinic clients after the initial session. Therapist ratings of client behavior were related significantly to subsequent attendance. Early dropouts were characterized by youth and a lower education level. They were less likely to be employed and more likely to have diagnosed personality disorders. (Author/JAC)

Numerous studies describe dropping-out behavior, but few explain it. Examines the themes of retention literature within the context of a theoretical framework and seeks to identify research problems which may be encountered by investigators seeking to examine the phenomenon of persistence in higher education. Further work is suggested. (Author/BEF)

Risks are taken in establishing alternative school programs but they can be minimized by giving the proper attention to several critical factors. (Author)

Discusses a study which investigated effects of student characteristics and measures of social and academic integration on voluntary college freshman withdrawal decisions. Findings indicated that student-faculty relationships were the most important factors influencing whether students remained in college. (Author/DB)

A number of factors that might have been thought to be important in contributing to student dropout appear to have had little effect on variations in the dropout rate at Flinders. Two factors do appear to be important: the relatively open entry system to Australian universities, and the higher failure rate of part-time students. (LBH)

Presents major findings from the analysis of public high school dropout and 4-year completion rate data using data from the Common Core of Data. Between 1993-1994 and 1997-1998, the high school dropout rates were between 4% and 7% in almost two-thirds of reporting states. White and Asian/Pacific Islander students were less likely to drop out than…

The effect of the perceived quality of academic advising on student attrition was studied for 1,033 first-time freshmen at a public urban university. High quality advising reduced attrition. Low-quality advising was less successful in reducing attrition, but was associated with less attrition than was no advising at all. (SLD)

Examined behavioral, cognitive, and demographic factors associated with early school dropout in 475 seventh graders. Clusters of students most vulnerable to early school dropout were characterized by high levels of aggressiveness and low levels of academic performance. (RJC)

Two authors discuss contrasting methods of dropout prevention. Debates the effectiveness of coercion as opposed to positive incentives to keep students in school. (FMW)

Results from the first two years of an effort in 10 high schools to replicate the California Peninsula Academies Program are reported. The combination of core academic curriculum with technical instruction in an occupational field has resulted in better grades and more course credits for participants than for non-participants. (SLD)