Studied the generalizability of Jochim's Premature Termination (PT) scale. Using the recommended cut-off scores, 50 percent of the subjects were classified inaccurately or unclassifiable. The best cut-off score for this sample produced an error rate of 36.9 percent. Suggests directing attention to personality blends may maximize counselor and…

Clients at a mental health center were studied from intake until their fifth appointment and excuses to avoid contact were recorded and correlated with dropout. An 82 percent identification rate of dropouts was achieved, while the base rate of dropouts was 53 percent of the sample. (NG)

Explores self-esteem in a group of recent school-leavers (N=3,066). Results indicate that self-esteem was significantly lower in economically underemployed groups, relative to the adequately employed, after controlling for early self-esteem and other factors. No differences in self-esteem emerged among the economically underemployed groups. (RJM)

Examined effects of spatial concentration of Puerto Ricans on the likelihood of high school attrition among Puerto Rican adolescents. Using census data, found that neighborhoods with very high concentrations of Puerto Ricans did significantly increase the risk of high school attrition among adolescent Puerto Ricans regardless of family background…

Investigated the timing of dropout by college students over a 5-year period. Found that factors that affect student dropout often have effects that change over time. For instance, students who receive financial aid generally have lower dropout rates than non-aided students, but dropout rates vary depending on the amount and timing of student…

A survey of dropouts from a workplace General Educational Development class received 37 responses (33%). The highest rated deterrent to participation was time constraints; clique members were more affected by this factor than were isolates. Males had higher dropout rates and they considered the program a lower personal priority than did females.…

A model of adult education dropout posits psychosocial, external, and institutional integration factors as causes. Testing with data from 443 Norwegian adult students (167 dropouts) demonstrated that factors related to interaction with the institution made a more substantial contribution to explaining attrition than did external systems theory.…

Finds that developmental reading students were as successful in college as low ACT nondevelopmental students but not as successful as the higher ACT students. Suggests that ACT scores and age were the best predictors of college success. Demonstrates the need for developmental classes for underprepared college freshmen. (RS)

Integrates existing literature with the authors' research that examines resiliency (students in danger of dropping out of school who are able to develop stable, healthy personas and are able to recover from or adapt to life's stresses or problems). Suggests a model to explain resiliency that can be used to better understand why these students have…

Employs event-history modeling to examine temporal dimensions of student departure from a large research university. Asian students are less likely to depart in year 1 than Whites. African-Americans are more likely to leave during junior and senior years. Dynamic models may presage sound dropout-intervention strategies. (54 references) (MLH)

A sample of 444 nationally certified school psychologists were surveyed to determine which causes of dropping out should be national priorities. The five factors that emerged are criminal/victimization, different from peer group, school conflict, dysfunctional family/lack of support, and family responsibilities. School psychologists perceived…

A survey at Edge Hill College of Higher Education in Canada, designed to be part of the mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the quality of the student experience, revealed that key factors influencing withdrawal were: course not as expected, traveling difficulties, institution not as expected, domestic difficulties, and financial difficulties.…

This study investigated factors that caused women students to consider dropping out of distance education studies. Results from questionnaires and interviews from female students at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) showed low grades, personal problems, and difficulties with getting course materials on time caused them to consider…

Feedback from 22 adults enrolled in evening language classes revealed a need for clear precourse information and advice, appropriate assessment and placement, and attention to group dynamics in order to retain learners in language classes. (SK)

The Latino population continues to have extremely high dropout rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This trend is particularly disturbing given the major demographic changes currently under way in this country, with a disproportionate share of the current and future growth of the U.S. population due to the Latino population. Failure…