A study at Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology (Ontario) found 30 percent of freshmen dropped out in the first year. Variables in the student-institution relationship accounted for more variance in persistence and withdrawal than student characteristics, confirming the validity of the person-environment fit dropout model. (Author/MSE)

The Teen Parenting Program, combining individualized academic and parenting instruction, has decreased future costs to society by reducing the dropout rate for expectant mothers from 80 percent to 38 percent and second pregnancy rates from 30-45 percent to 8 percent and by increasing birthweights of babies born to program mothers. Describes the…

This study analyzed demographic characteristics, referral to special education, and high-school history of students with mild disabilities, including 462 dropouts and 291 graduates. Results indicated that many "dropouts" actually returned to school and sometimes graduated, overall dropout rate was alarmingly high, and school interruptions…

This study found that, of 24 minority students placed in gifted classes from K-12, none dropped out, though 45 percent of 67 gifted minority students not placed in gifted classes dropped out. Graduation rates from the academically talented program followed the proportions of minority to nonminority students in the program. (JDD)

Correlations between (1) Michigan school districts' expenditures, various supports, and revenues; and (2) each district's educational background, median family income, racial composition, and dropout rate were analyzed. Data used in this study were obtained from the Michigan Department of Education. (SLD)

Cites demographic figures showing that U.S. children are an endangered species. Educators alone cannot "fix" the problems of education, because dealing with poverty's root causes must involve health care, housing, transportation, job training, and social welfare bureaucracies. The United States has the resources, if not the will, to reduce the…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has convened a working group to address problems in recruiting, gambling, academic standards, and other corrupt practices in college basketball programs. Such problems are neither new nor unique to basketball, and changing college sports has proven to be difficult. Recommendations are anticipated…

Analyzes whether giving up studies in higher education is considered a pivotal point wherein an educational career may change course. Reveals that in Finland the status-oriented inheritors of the societal elite do best on the higher education internal and external transfer market. Raises questions about equality between educational units. (CMK)

Discusses alternative programs and schools visited by the Hispanic Dropout Project. Notes a pervasive "disconnect" between alternative programs and "regular" schools, and outlines lessons alternative programs have to offer traditional schools. (SR)

Explores concepts of college "networking" in the context of improving student retention and success, including student-to-student networks, faculty-to-faculty networks, faculty-to-student networks, institution-to-student networks, institution-to-faculty/staff networks, and institution-to-local community networks. Considers the need to address…

New Haven (Connecticut) Public Schools realized that pushing students academically was useless without creating a positive school climate to address their social and emotional needs. James Comer's School Development Program is the district's guiding principle. Via planning and student-support teams, school community members decide on life-skills…

Presents a case study of an innovative school-based health and mental-health project that prevents early school failure. Attributes program success to social work development of broad-based partnerships involving families, schools, communities, and public-policy officials. Describes school/family partnerships that form the core of the model. (RJM)

Compares the performance of community-college transfer students with students entering directly from high school at Canada's York University. Indicates that community-college transfer students are more likely to drop out and less likely to graduate than direct-entry students. Contains four data tables and 19 references. (JDI)

Ninety-four 7th- and 8th-grade students with learning and emotional/behavioral disabilities received intervention services that incorporated monitoring and school engagement strategies. Half continued to receive services through grade 9. On two of three measures, students receiving continued intervention services were significantly more likely to…

Using a review of survey responses from developmental reading students at a residential two-year college, this article reports that great emphasis should be placed on student/faculty interactions and positive peer group interactions in the college experience. Suggests that faculty members participate in academic advising, offer study skills…