Analysis of National Education Longitudinal Survey data indicates that a balance between career-technical and academic course taking influences test scores and dropout. A ratio of approximately three career-technical credits to four academic credits was associated with the lowest likelihood of dropping out. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

Used the same methodology and data used by W. Haney in his study of achievement gains on the Texas high school exit examination to demonstrate that his conclusion about the increased pass rate was not correct. None of the 20% improvement in the exit test pass rate was explained by combined increases in dropout rates or special education…

Results of the Deterrents to Participation Scale completed by 119 General Educational Development participants aged 16-23 revealed the following: (1) no differences between black and white students; (2) statistically significant differences between men and women and urban and rural residents; and (3) family constraints as the only factor with…

The best dropout prevention programs give students a chance to succeed, promote a sense of personal responsibility, build self-esteem, structure work so it can be done well, and celebrate accomplishment of any kind. (MLF)

Examines one national goal--to make our national high school graduation rate reach 90 percent by 2000--by focusing on the dropout problem. Poverty and cultural differences play a major role in determining who drops out. Exploring multiple-intelligences research and emphasizing educational research and development are sound strategies. Includes 33…

Many dropouts or "pushouts" from Louisiana schools genuinely want to be educated, despite their occasional indifference, their seeming inability to conform to guidelines, and their often explosive tempers. Originally intended as an adult night school, the Caddo P.M. Senior High School in Shreveport helps dropouts stay in school and earn…

Before schools can tackle the student dropout problem, they need to distinguish school leavers from completers. A year-long pilot project in 31 states will record all students who drop out and their reasons for leaving, using a statistical reporting model developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Recommendations and participant…

Eight vocational schools in Jefferson County, Kentucky, use computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for remedial work in math, reading, and language skills. The use of CAI in the career development centers has led to other programs--for adults, dropouts, and potential dropouts--and has brought about a close working relationship with Louisville…

Describes the efforts of a North Carolina high school principal to adapt another school's computer network system to a reading comprehension improvement project in his school. Recounts administrative networking applications at Muskogee (Oklahoma) Public Schools and offers tips for choosing and evaluating computer networks. (MLH)

Alternative schools for intermediate grade students should be small and located in a separate building, where students and teachers can develop their own sense of identity. Curricula for high risk students require three components: a vocational orientation, interdisciplinary team projects, and a mastery learning/continuous progress approach.…

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth--Mother and Children and Washington State Family Income studies showed that secondary dropouts, General Educational Development (GED) recipients, and secondary graduates cannot be distinguished by hours of work. All three groups earned the same in the Washington sample; in the other sample,…

An implementation analysis conducted as part of a two-year study of residential and nonresidential treatment programs for the dually diagnosed (psychiatric illness and substance abuse disorders) homeless (n=276) found significant differences in client engagement and retention and variations in treatment conditions. (SLD)

Analysis of transcript data from the National Education Longitudinal Study 1988 Eighth Graders Second Followup found no significant impact of vocational education on math, science, or reading achievement. Vocational education in the first two years of high school may indirectly affect drop-out. Agriculture and technical/communications courses…

Examined client motivation and attrition from counseling among 139 clients. Found that self-efficacy and outcome expectations each explained unique variation in motivation, beyond client and counselor background variables; self-efficacy and motivation each contributed to prediction of client return status after intake interview; and self-efficacy…

Confronted by a disturbing dropout rate and low student achievement, the Newfoundland (Canada) government is attempting to rationalize organizational restructuring and curriculum reform based on a centralized core academic curriculum aimed at college entrance. This article argues for an expanded, hegemonic curriculum that is organic to the…