Using a structural equation model of educational attainment, a study extends and supports previous investigations of educational discontinuities among American White and Black males and females by using data from a national longitudinal study. (MSE)

Used a longitudinal tracking procedure to compare minority and nonminority student attrition during eight semesters and three intervening summer terms following initial registration. Findings indicated a tendency for minority students to exhibit greater voluntary persistence than nonminority students. (RC)

Determined the effects of a concentrated vocational assessment and counseling program for high school dropouts. Approximately 60 percent of the dropouts were still employed six months after the program. Dropouts reported increased awareness of their own abilities and awareness of employers' needs. (Author/JAC)

A study of predictors of academic withdrawal among American Indian medical students found the characteristics of those withdrawing to include lower age, larger number of siblings, attendance at reservation schools, poorer academic preparation, excessive family responsibilities, and encounters with cultural misperceptions. (MSE)

Reports findings from an exploratory investigation of a comparatively low dropout rate in a predominantly Mexican American school district (Calexico, California). Although many features contribute to the district's ability to retain students, these are best understood as interrelated parts of a complex system. The most important factor appears to…

Presents findings from Johnson County Community College follow-up surveys of nonreturning students. Indicates that most nonreturning students had achieved their educational goals, had improved various cognitive and noncognitive behaviors because of their college experiences, and planned to reenroll in college eventually. Describes reasons for…

Interviews with 498 undergraduate students who withdrew from a large western Canadian university and 153 students who continued their studies examined demographic, academic, financial, personal, and learning characteristics. Compares characteristics of students required to withdraw, those who withdrew formally, those who did not return, and…

Out of 92 New South Wales pupils identified as talented in primary schools, 3 left school before the end of year 11, and 15 failed to place in the top 25 percent on Australian Higher School Certificate tests. Affective patterns leading to inappropriate study habits and lack of motivation were gleaned from questionnaire responses. (Author/PB)

Studies Kennedy-King College's low level of persistence among African-American "nontraditional" male students, and the resulting high rate of departure before completing specified goals. Proposes a model of persistence to develop modes of action, program enhancements, and activities within the college to increase persistence level. (24…

Relates that concerns about the dropout rate among physics majors at the University of Montreal (Canada) led to a study of student persistence. Indicates that those who dropped out and those who stayed differed in their perceptions of their skills and knowledge, and their confidence in finishing the program. Presents preliminary recommendations.…

Determined the prevalence of health-risk behaviors among Texas high school students attending dropout prevention/recovery alternative schools. Student surveys indicated that a substantial number participated in behaviors that placed them at acute or chronic health risk. There were differences in prevalence of risk behaviors by gender,…

Reviews two general classes of strategies designed to reduce premature attrition and enhance treatment. Research on psychotherapy preparatory techniques indicates that these educational techniques are effective in reducing early-treatment attrition and may be especially effective with populations at high risk for dropout. (Author/GCP)

Examines the scale of drop-outs across colleges. Considers appropriate analytical treatments in a number of colleges in the further education funded sector and investigates the resource effects. Identifies prior achievements of enrollments as a major factor of non-retention in courses and discusses some of the educational implications of the…

Compares Dutch secondary school students and dropouts about their knowledge of AIDS prevention, attitude toward condom use, intention to use condoms, sexual history, and condom use. Reports that contrary to expectations, few differences were found. Concludes that knowledge and attitudes of dropouts was similar to students. (Author/JDM)