This paper explores the practical implications of the distributional perspective on dropping out of school--a perspective that says that the concentration of student exodus from certain schools may reflect the impact of contextual or organizational factors as opposed to those that operate simply at the individual level. Based on data from the…

In 1991, a study was conducted of semester-to-semester persistence patterns at Rancho Santiago College (RSC). The study involved tracking the attendance patterns of all RSC students entering as new students in fall 1983 and each subsequent fall until 1990; and comparing the persistence rates of matriculated and non-matriculated students in the…

The aim of a practicum was to integrate language arts and vocational education at the high school level. The following strategies were used: collaboration with vocational teachers; development of cross-curricula activities; reinforcement and evaluation of communication skills in the vocational areas; infusion of occupational relevancy into…

The National Alliance of Business (NAB) surveyed the 12 sites that participated in the Compact Project to develop and implement programs of business-education collaboration. NAB studied start-up activities, key players, conditions for collaboration, accomplishments, challenges, and future plans. Program outcomes indicated that building successful…

The report summarizes data on the postsecondary educational experiences of 1980 high school graduates based on three major longitudinal data sets: the National Longitudinal Survey of the 1972 high school class; the High School and Beyond study of 1980 high school seniors; and the High School and Beyond study of 1980 high school sophomores.…

This study looked at the overall situation of the immigrant population, and young immigrants in particular, and analyzed such problem areas as the transition from school to working life and the inadequacies of initial training with relation to the situation in the United Kingdom. The study identified the following problem areas: (1) problems…

This sourcebook describes methods of dealing with dropouts in Oregon school districts. "At-risk youth" and "dropout" are defined and survey results of 98 percent of superintendents concerning program offerings are summarized. Data suggest that medium-size districts require greatest assistance. Despite increases in single-parent…

This report provides information about special populations in Illinois as well as information about services and programs designed to serve these targeted groups. It addresses the needs, services, and resources for making vocational education programs accessible to the populations identified at both the federal and state levels for targeted…

In 1990, a study was conducted to validate factors which relate to the persistence or retention of students enrolled in two-year college occupational programs, with a particular focus on minority students. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 731 students and 55 faculty members at 5 colleges in New York. In addition to the survey,…

In June 1990, a statewide telephone survey was conducted of 1,200 former full- and part-time Michigan community college students who had not returned for classes in fall 1989. The 29 colleges were classified as urban, suburban, and regional institutions, and a total of 200 former full-time and 200 former part-time students were contacted from each…

Data on enrollment trends and student characteristics in the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD) are presented, along with an examination of the possible effects of the imposition of tuition in fall 1984. Following introductory comments on data collection and analysis, information is presented on district enrollment; day/evening…

Drawing from a review of the literature on issues related to student retention and attrition, and research on student attitudes toward the Community College of Denver (CCD), this report suggests four models for student retention programs for different two-year college student groups. Following introductory material on the project, a literature…

Student attrition rates and retention efforts in the California State University and Colleges (CSUC) are summarized to assist policymakers and planners. Extensive supplementary materials are also provided, including four questionnaires, campus statistics, and worksheets for predicting withdrawal. Summaries for the 19 campuses of CSUC provide an…

Phase 1 of the task force gathered information on the disruptions in student education that are caused by the schools. Phase 2 examined what can be done to keep students in school, particularly those students who do not fit the system. The present investigation describes the costs to the state and to the individual that derive from students…

The Career Exploration Program was a 10-week outreach summer program for high-risk youth aged 16 to 21, operated for three years beginning in 1979 by the Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC/A) and funded by the United States Department of Labor. The structured demonstration program focused specifically on high school dropouts,…