The ability of every student to successfully complete high school is fundamental to continued success and quality of life. As such, Alberta Learning's 2000-2003 Business Plan has set a target for improving high school completion by 19-year-old students from 70% to 75%. A key step to achieving this target has involved completing a study of barriers…

The ability of every student to successfully complete high school is fundamental to continued success and quality of life. As such, Alberta Learning's 2000-2003 Business Plan has set a target for improving high school completion by 19-year-old students from 70% to 75%. A key step to achieving this target has involved completing a study of barriers…

This study, which focused on the 1998-99 school year, addresses dropout rates for individual schools, districts, counties, and the state of Arizona categorized by grade, gender, race/ethnicity, withdrawal type, school-year and summer dropouts, county, and district. The data include actual student enrollment and dropout counts as well as status…

The General Equivalency Diploma (GED) program is designed to help high school dropouts earn an equivalent credential. However, by helping teenage dropouts, the GED program may encourage enrolled youth to leave high school. This paper examines the issue using data on GED policies from the GED testing service and data on high school continuation…

This study explored the phenomenon of dropping out of high school from the perspective of those who strayed. The voices of four recent dropouts were audiotaped and examined through an interpretive ecological lens designed to explore dropping out within the context of the school community. Informants were asked to describe their school histories,…

Article presented another side of the problem of student dropouts. (RK)

A follow-up survey of a group of students who had attended occupations schools. (JA)

Excerpted from Youth in Transition, Volume 3: Dropping Out -Problem or Symptom?" (Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1971). Discusses the results of a nationwide research study set up to distinguish between causes and effects of a group of tenth grade boys who did or did not become dropouts. Professional…

This study attempts to define dropouts, focus on the reasons for dropping out, and suggest some ways to overcome perceived barriers to participation in adult literacy programs. (SK)

The design and conduct of a national evaluation study is discussed, demonstrating that a control group may not provide the no-cause baseline information expected. Resolution of this problem requires reexamination of paradigms, research practices, and policies, as well as the underlying real world constraints and views that generate them. (PN)

Examines the relationship between locus of control and participation/completion among 553 clients in adult basic education classes. Findings only suggest a relationship between locus of control and completion. Findings do indicate variations among ethnic groups, educational levels, and age groups regarding completion and locus of control. (Author)

Correspondence course students who did more than half the assignments were more likely to complete the course and do better on the final examination. Questions are raised concerning the motivation of those enrolled in correspondence courses. (Editor/JD)