Middle school teachers in Georgia (392 of 600 surveyed) had considerable knowledge of at-risk learner characteristics. They were least knowledgeable about grade level most dropouts attain, number of grades failed by dropouts, range of dropout IQ, and when the highest incidence of dropping out occurs. (SK)

Introduces this special volume that seeks to provide insiders' reflective views of a wide range of bilingual education programs, with the aim of catalyzing dialog and reform. Provides demographic background on speakers of minority languages in the United States and in schools, and on needs and problems related to the education of…

Discusses problems with distance education, focusing on the higher dropout rate in online, Web-based courses compared to traditional campus-based education. Topics include feelings of isolation; frustrations with the technology; anxiety; confusion; course design; helping establish a collaborative community of learners; virtual office hours; and…

Discusses the drop-out rate from online courses in corporate training programs. Topics include better measures of electronic learning success and return on investment (ROI); a modular approach; course completion needed for certification requirements; and focusing on job performance improvement that results from electronic courses. (LRW)

Presents a study that examined aspects of the social behavior of young people in the sphere of education, focusing on external factors. Focuses on the increasing drop-out rates, the competitive situation in higher educational institutions, the dynamics in secondary specialized education, and the demographic factor. Includes references. (CMK)

Examined African American male students' transition to high school, comparing gender differences in achievement from 8th-12th grades by using data from a longitudinal study in Chicago. In 8th grade, there were few gender differences in achievement or teachers' ratings of students' behaviors and skills. However, males had more significant declines…

Uses data collected from London school to explore processes through which inner-city, working-class students leave school at the age of 16. Draws attention to issues of identity and inequality. Highlights the ways in which the young people viewed themselves as "not good enough" and "knew their limits" in relation to…

The extent of truancy, dropout, and grade repetition in 36 Dutch secondary schools was correlated with contextual variables such as school size, class size, and percentage of non-Dutch pupils. Multiple regression showed that numbers of non-Dutch pupils and average class size were of importance regarding the extent of truancy. (SK)

Post-literacy programs attempt to prevent relapse into illiteracy by ensuring retention, application, and continued growth of literacy skills. Planning for post-literacy should be included at the outset. Post-literacy must be seen as part of the lifelong education continuum, be funded effectively, overcome social and psychological barriers, and…

Examined 600 student and 300 faculty perceptions of the environment at the University of Wyoming as it relates to student retention and attrition. Results suggest that perceptions of persistors and subsequent dropouts differ less than expected. (TE)

California's Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program, based at the University of California at Berkeley, administers Minority Engineering Programs on 18 public and private college and university campuses. The programs have been successful in raising retention rates among underrepresented minority groups, and are being…

A high school equivalency program held in a Baltimore, Maryland, housing project reported that last year 67 percent of the women who took the test passed it. Key components are computer-assisted instruction and computer monitoring of the womens' progress. Strategies for setting up such a program are offered. (MLF)

The ASPIRA Association, an organization serving Latino youth through leadership development, education, and advocacy, is sponsoring the Hispanic Community Mobilization for Dropout Prevention, a project focused on increasing parental and community involvement in promoting high school retention and academic achievement. (SK)

Three programs which focus on at-risk kindergarten students are described. These programs feature kindergarten retention, transition classes, and child development specialists, respectively. (IAH)

By providing immediate intensive interventions when learning problems occur, the Success for All program has improved the achievement of students at an innercity Baltimore elementary school. (TE)