To tackle low achievement and a 22% freshmen student withdrawal rate, a Seattle, Washington, high school gradually restructured its vision, policies, and curriculum. A committee fashioned the Bridge project, providing all freshmen with access to opportunities promoting academic achievement, responsibility, school spirit, fellowship, acceptance,…

In 18 Appalachian Tennessee counties, an aggressive "war on illiteracy" recruits former dropouts to GED (high school equivalency) classes, literacy classes for those with grade 8-9 reading level, and basic skills classes. People who almost finished high school may earn diplomas through approved adult classes. Classes are taught by…

This article examines evidence both for and against early specialization in the development of sports expertise and presents the early diversification approach as another path leading to elite levels of performance. It discusses sports dropout and questions the link between early sports specialization and exceptional sports performance. (Contains…

A Texas school district near El Paso and the Mexican border has established the Student Entrepreneur Center: a K-12 program stressing hands-on application of basic business principles. The district is transforming a 16-acre site into a combination learning center and tourist destination. (MLF)

At-risk students in southern United States were surveyed using the "Things I Worry About Scale." From their responses, 13 categories were ranked from most salient to least salient. The rank order was then compared to that obtained with a normative group in Northern Ireland. The significant correlation between the two seemingly disparate…

Analyzed the effectiveness of a high school program designed to address student deficiencies in English skills while helping students develop an attachment to school within a traditional academic setting. Data analysis indicated that, as a group, students enrolled in the at-risk skills program improved their language and reading skills and…

Individual characteristics and peer group membership type in 7th grade was examined in relation to school dropout. Peer group type was characterized according to the proportion of group members who were high on teacher-rated aggression and popularity. Both aggressive and popular group types were linked to dropping out. (Contains 43 references and…

Examines the experiences of high school dropouts from the United States and Australia in the first 2 years beyond high school. Finds differences in the experiences of dropouts in the U.S. compared with those in Australia, as dropouts in Australia are more likely to participate in post-school education and training and more likely to settle into…

Examines labor-market value of the General Educational Development (GED) credential for females. Finds that among females who dropped out of high school with weak basic math skills, those with a GED have accumulated more work experience and have higher labor-market earning in their mid-20s than have observationally similar dropouts lacking the GED…

This study examined the perceptions of 58 special education administrators and 204 principals on the effect of requiring a minimum competency graduation examination for students with learning disabilities. Administrators felt the requirement would promote inclusive education but that without additional resources some students would experience…

Presents a tracking model for monitoring and reporting student transitions through the college years. Develops and illustrates the model by following a mythical class of 500 freshmen and 380 transfer students from matriculation to attrition or graduation. The model focuses on sequences of semesters rather than on freshman, sophomore, junior, and…

A new Dutch training program prepares school dropouts as assistants, enabling them to work at low-skilled jobs and prepare for continued study. Regional training centers are still seeking workable instructional models for the program. Greater emphasis should be placed on the relationship between this initial training and future training. (Contains…

A Wisconsin law that forces students to attend school before they receive welfare money may impact Blacks and other minority students disproportionately. The "learnfare" program reduces the payments received by families receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children for truancy and dropping out. (FMW)

School abandonment is a systemic failure that affects poor and affluent students alike and threatens our country's well-being. Such "educational suicide" is primarily a motivational problem. It is time for educators to replace coercive, constraint-laden techniques with autonomy-supportive techniques and to supplant error-proof lessons with…

Examined effect of Summer Fireside Experience Program (SFEP), 5-day adventure-based orientation program, on student retention 3.5 years later. Findings from incoming freshmen assigned to SFEP (N=32), Freshmen Camp (N=64), or Control Group (N=64) revealed that after 3.5 years, SFEP group experienced 12 percent higher retention rate than Camp group…