A proposed intervention model for at-risk students with limited English proficiency and disabilities combines the characteristics of successful dropout prevention programs and the best practices of vocational special education and bilingual vocational training. The model includes elements of access, retention, and transition. (SK)

Reviews and critically examines research on academic programs for improving retention of at-risk minority college students. Recommends academic retention program designers incorporate effective instructional components and program evaluators implement better controlled research studies. (Author/ABL)

Describes a study that examined student attributes and achievements in previous Open University courses to determine what effect they had on the drop-out rate and achievement in a project work course. The use of partial order structuple (scalogram) analysis (POSA) is explained, and the results for occupation and previous course performance are…

The debate over how to educate gifted children reflects a larger conflict in American education: equity versus excellence. Many teachers see gifted programs as a challenge to their competence; others consider cooperative learning as a threat to the education of gifted students. (IAH)

Shortly after Amityville (New York) High School teachers introduced the learning style concept, their classes began to experiment with alternative groupings, varied instructional strategies, and individualized response activities. Student achievement gains were easily estimated, but gains in self-esteem are immeasurable. (MLH)

Describes the experiences of a young man from El Salvador and his eighth-grade second-language teacher as they watched other young El Salvadorans either drop out of school or accumulate insufficient credits to graduate. (RS)

Describes Critical Dialogues, an instructional approach based on the background knowledge and experiences of at-risk middle school students. Critical Dialogues can be used to help teach students the interactive processes vital to learning. Students grasp the importance of using their own knowledge to interpret situations, make decisions, and solve…

Among 31 completers of a workplace literacy program and 37 dropouts, those who belonged to in-class cliques were more likely to remain in class than the more socially isolated. Dropouts networked in the workplace with others of similar educational levels; finishers networked with workers of higher educational levels. (SK)

Discusses the practice of retaining children in grade, and presents evidence against the procedure. Posits that failing children only increases the likelihood that they will perform poorly in school, develop poor self-concepts, and eventually drop out of school. Retention also disproportionately affects poor and minority children, males, and…

Explores the experiences of English youths who have been excluded from school and are young offenders. Identifies four main themes in their stories: bullying, home life in relation to school, peer pressure, and truancy and exclusion. Examines the peer pressure-deviancy relationship in greater depth. (DSK)

A survey of 97 Florida and Georgia middle schools and their receiving high schools revealed that schools with two or fewer transition practices had significantly higher attrition and dropout rates than schools implementing three or more practices. Sample programs include the ninth-grade house, parent nights, advisory/mentoring programs, and…

A report compiled by the Council of the Great City Schools shows substantial signs of systemwide urban-school progress. According to nationwide data, test scores in urban districts are rising, accountability systems are being implemented, and dropout rates are declining. Taxpayer investment in urban children is essential. (MLH)

Reports on data taken from the General Social Survey that found a link between "heavy metal" rock fanship and suicide acceptability. Finds that relationship becomes nonsignificant once level of religiosity is controlled. Heavy metal fans are low in religiosity, which contributes to greater suicide acceptability. (Author/JDM)

A study explored 97 college freshmen's perceived stress and persistence as a function of attachment style. Students with secure attachment reported significantly less perceived stress than those with insecure attachment. Fewer students with secure attachment quit college than did students with insecure attachment. Stress scores and grade point…

Discusses the findings of a study of young people who had left post-16 education prematurely or had switched courses. Examines the main influences on the young people's decisions, the extent to which they felt prepared for their transitions, and their views of career guidance and education. (Author/GCP)