Examined attendance problems in a group treatment program for test anxiety at a college counseling services program. Analyzed data collected over 13 years from 736 students. Found that shortening the program from 1.5 days to a single day and instituting a $5 deposit against attendance significantly reduced attendance problems. (Author/PVV)

Presents findings from the International Society for Technology in Education's "Vision: TEST" study, revealing that access to technology facilitates learning, especially among at-risk students. Compares "factory" and "individual" paradigms for education. Offers three examples of the use of technology with at-risk students. Discusses the economic…

Analysis of effects of local educational levels on employment growth found that growth benefits of higher schooling levels during the 1970s were 14 times greater for metro than nonmetro commuting zones. During the 1980s, higher education levels did not significantly affect employment growth in metro or nonmetro zones; higher dropout rates were…

Discussion of the cost effectiveness of distance education highlights an investigation that explored both the cost and the instructional effectiveness of using computer-mediated communication (CMC) for two courses in the U.S. Army Reserve Component. Student performance is compared and evaluated for CMC versus traditional resident courses. (24…

Examined effectiveness of 14-week program to build self-esteem with at-risk ninth-grade students by comparing participants (n=35) to no-treatment controls (n=33). Concluded that program, based on concepts of rational emotive therapy, was effective in improving self-concept, self-management, and academic achievement. (Author/NB)

This paper addresses the preparation of teachers to work with students who are both handicapped and at greater than average risk for dropping out of school. The paper describes teacher training program components including teacher/mentor skills training, academic and vocational skills training, interpersonal skills training, and parent involvement…

In the 1991 Gallup Poll, Americans overwhelmingly supported a strong educational system as fundamental to national well-being. Respondents' opinions were more divided about achievement of national education goals, accountability measures, expanded school schedules, publicly supported preschools, a national curriculum, school choice, teacher pay…

To reduce student depression and its academic consequences, a preventive training program for freshmen provided one group (n=85) with a semester-long course in personal competencies (affect management, self-control, social skills, and problem solving), and one group (n=86) with an academic skills course. Both groups were equally effective.…

Reviews conditions in the environment that put the children of Hispanic migrant workers at risk for developing physical and cognitive disabilities. These include inadequate environmental protection, poor housing, and lack of access to health care and community resources. Strategies to facilitate positive change for farm worker families and…

Tests predictions that students with high levels of "intergenerational closure" (whose parents know many of their friends' parents) will do better academically than those who do not. Finds that closure is positively associated with mathematics achievement, but not significantly associated with 12th-grade grades; closure is negatively…

Details important lessons learned while attempting research and evaluation efforts in a school-based drop-out prevention program. The challenges of working with school systems, lessons about training, timing, and research as a developmental process are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Studied the effects on self-esteem of an intervention that rewarded students who stayed in school with a trip to Africa. Ten urban high school students who completed the program and took the trip to Ghana showed improved self-esteem following the cross-cultural experience. (SLD)

Predominantly black rural counties, located in the South, are among the poorest in the nation. Manufacturing has long been an important source of job growth in these counties, but the skill demands of new technology put these populations at a disadvantage. The poor quality of local schools and high dropout rates are major problems in predominantly…

Describes a community-initiated study of student motivational influences in Fountain Hills Unified School District (Arizona), which receives Yavapai students from nearby Fort McDowell Indian Community. Discusses collaboration between the school district and Indian community, quantitative results on student motivation and long-term effects of high…

Compares alcohol use among Mexican-American and White non-Hispanic school dropouts, and among students in good academic standing. Results indicate that dropouts are at a higher risk for alcohol use and misuse. Discusses implications in terms of prevalence and prevention. (Author/GCP)