Ethnographic methods were used to assess three learning-disabled and three normal tenth and eleventh grade boys at a school with an unusually low dropout rate. Institutional, classroom, and interpersonal factors behind the schools' student retention ability are described. (TJH)

High school academies are three-year programs offering educationally disadvantaged students an integrated academic and vocational education, extensive counseling and peer support, and employment opportunities. These models to combat dropping out and facilitate transition from school to work are joint efforts of school districts, local businesses,…

Argues that a major factor for student dropouts is lack of self-esteem, and shows the therapeutic value of art activities. Describes a self-portrait lesson with 15- and 16-year-old juveniles in a detention center. Decries the lack of attention to art in the schools. Suggests allowing students to practice right-brain drawing can improve…

This paper presents data showing how change of major, course load patterns, housing location, and first semester grade point average relate to the percentage of students in the following four outcomes: voluntarily not returning to college, being academically suspended, continuing enrollment, or graduating. (Author/MLW)

Although the Chelsea project, in which Boston University has taken control of the Chelsea School System (Massachusetts), has been hampered by political and financial problems, the university is pressing ahead with educational experiments to improve teaching, expand educational opportunities, reduce dropout rates, and increase community…

Examines the language of race in a rural, primarily African-American town in North Carolina, focusing on the Civil War, social interactions, school before desegregation, the closing of the town's elementary school, and school dropouts. The roles of repression and denial in socializing talk about racially charged issues are illustrated. (SLD)

A study examined academic achievement and persistence of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) high school students in one urban Alberta (Canada) school district for 1991 to 1996, including analysis of student records and interviews with former students and ESL and mainstream teachers. Results indicate 46% of ESL students did not complete studies…

Lists the latest ERIC documents that describe institutional and state studies of community college remedial programs. Provides bibliographical information and a brief abstract of relevant documents. (YKH)

A study of college student persistence decisions found college experiences, academic achievement, and environmental pull factors contributed most to persistence decisions, with differential effects for gender and ethnic groups. No precollege factors were significant. For minorities the strongest factors in dropping out were family responsibilities…

This article profiles the educational system of Quebec and discusses initiatives for students who are at-risk. It describes programs and services for students who are at-risk, relevant educational legislation, areas of strength, challenges that need to be overcome, and areas of action. (Contains references.) (CR)

This is the 30th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2008. Section 664(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as reauthorized in 2004, requires that the Department of Education report annually on the progress made toward the provision of a free appropriate…

This brief presents the most current data available on the health, education and family well-being of children in California's immigrant families, who represent 51% of the state's total child population. It challenges misinformed and negative stereotypes about children in immigrant families. For example, 85% of children from immigrant families in…

This is the 10th annual report on conditions affecting the Racine Unified School District RUSD). Analysis continues to focus on the long-term historical trends in RUSD, comparing RUSD to nine peer school districts and the State of Wisconsin. RUSD peer districts are Wisconsin's largest (Milwaukee Public Schools are not included) and their…

The report addresses the reporting requirements of Public Law 26-26 and the programs and activities that affect student achievement as described in the Guam Public School System's Board-adopted District Action Plan (DAP). This is an annual report on progress towards increasing student achievement with the ultimate aim of Preparing Students for…

A compelling body of research shows that when students are part of smaller and more intimate learning communities, they are more successful. The latest research demonstrates that small schools, particularly schools of choice, have a measurably positive impact on inner-city students, especially those from minority and low-income families. The…