In Tswana villages in Botswana, 122 mothers of secondary-school-age daughters were interviewed. Maternal attitudes toward fertility, child rearing, and schooling were more influential in explaining daughters' propensity to leave school than were generic facets of the family economy framework. However, maternal influences were conditioned by level…

The Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program is an alternative public school in Rhode Island for middle school students who are in danger of dropping out. Success in the program is credited to collaboration among three school districts, strong community support, and school-based decision making. Offers tips to keep alternative schools from…

Examines changes from 1970-1980 in indicators of primary school quality in low- and middle-income developing nations. Focuses on expenditures per pupil, pupil/teacher ratio, percentage of pupils entering grade six, and schooling required for fully qualified teachers. Analyzes the influence of contextual factors related to national wealth, size of…

Several programs started in Passaic, New Jersey are beginning to show evidence of success. Teen Institute of the Garden State is a program designed to help students build confidence by working in the community. Teen pregnancy and the drop-out rate are addressed in a program called Graduation, Reality, and Dual-Role Skills. (MLF)

A survey of 251 North Dakota parents of learning-disabled students found that retention occurred twice as frequently for students with learning disabilities as for the general student population. Parents of retained students tended to have lower educational aspirations for their children than did parents of nonretained students. Discusses…

Analysis of longitudinal data on Native American students using structural equation modeling found a weak fit with Tinto's model of postsecondary departure. After model revisions, family background, educational intentions, and academic integration emerged as significant predictors of college graduation. Discusses research problems such as small…

Case studies of 10 unmarried, African-American adolescent mothers at risk of dropping out of school are presented, revealing the stressful situations created by competing demands of school and home. Educational deficits that existed prior to pregnancy and their influence on contraceptive behavior and pregnancy resolution are noted. Intervention…

This article offers a model of college student integration that emphasizes how students shape their college experiences by pursuing specific life tasks over others. A study of 311 first-year college students found that school persisters tended to focus more on academics during their first semester and social and personal needs during their second…

Suggests that music education by its nature is well suited to meeting the special needs of at-risk students. Discusses the role of music in motivating and enabling students to succeed. Defines the causes of failure as inability and lack of desire to learn when at-risk students receive the wrong kind of instruction. (DK)

This qualitative study describes the experiences of an adolescent with learning disabilities at risk of becoming a dropout. Intervention focused on teaching him anger control strategies and providing a vehicle for him to talk about his relationships with teachers, peer interaction, and engagement with education. (Author/JDD)

Examines rap music's origins as street music and poetry in the early 1970s and as an expression of Black youth experience. Discusses rap groups, women and Whites in rap, Christian rap, copyright disputes, and distribution difficulties. Rap is an informal educational medium that affects adolescents' values and attitudes. (JB)

Methods used to follow, for 18 months after pregnancy resolution, 241 premaritally pregnant urban adolescents in a longitudinal drug use study are described. One respondent dropped out after the first interview. Temporary attrition at each data collection wave was between 1 percent and 3 percent. Sample recruitment and retention are discussed.…

A number of analysts and leaders state that investments must be made in furthering employees' skills and upgrading the nation's infrastructure. Revenue resources suggested include changes in the tax code to target those "on the gravy train" and reclaiming funds from the military budget. (MLF)

Analysis of census data on 19,748 persons, aged 16-24, examined the extent to which higher rural than urban dropout rates are attributable to spatial differences in family structure or economic resources. Poverty status accounted for more of the higher rural dropout rate than did differences in family structure. (KS)

Evaluated separate and combined effects of study skills training and career counseling on student retention among 36 college students at high risk for dropping out of college. Students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment or control conditions. Only study-skills-alone treatment had significant positive impact on retention and achieved…