Using longitudinal analysis, discusses observed differences among unemployed adults, older youth, and early school-leavers (N=104). Focuses on issues surrounding self-esteem and the identification of mediators and moderators for specific populations. Evidence suggests that good psychological health contributed to gaining employment. (RJM)

This study assessed knowledge of HIV/AIDS among high school dropouts enrolled in a military structured at-risk youth program that offered them a second chance. Surveys of demographics, risk behaviors and attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge indicated that participants had low knowledge levels, though knowledge scores were higher on certain…

Discusses the importance of recruitment for classes producing student publications to ensure the necessary skills and sufficient numbers. Suggests that personal interaction is the most effective method of recruiting students. Describes retention and recruitment related to the production of an eclectic magazine and a sports media guide in two…

Discusses empirical problems in confining college student retention studies to stay-versus-go outcomes, reviewing data resources (exit surveys, transcript requests, withdrawn student surveys, state transfer student databases, and the National Student Clearinghouse's Enrollment Search Program), which can enhance understanding of first-year…

Investigates a prediction model of early withdrawal from school, using a sample of low socio-economic status (SES) boys (n=751), with emphasis on the role of peer-related variables. Reports that power of early disruptiveness and early academic performance predicted dropout; but the effects of these variables depended upon the dropout age. (CMK)

Believing in students is what's behind the best alternative schools. Profiles of various alternative education programs reveal stringent requirements for students' self-discipline and responsibility for learning. Some districts are turning to alternative programs and schools in an effort to keep their regular schools safe. (MLF)

One Washington state school district uses mariachi music lessons to engage Hispanic students in school and deter them from dropping out. The district's dropout rate is very low, despite its high Hispanic population. Students in the top-performing mariachi groups say that participating has motivated them academically. Just as mariachi has…

Effects of credit load on the intent-turnover relation at a community college were assessed. Results of a stepwise logistic regression model for 316 students indicate that intent was more strongly related to turnover among students carrying 13 or more credit hours as compared to students carrying fewer credit hours. (TJH)

Findings from the United States Department of Education's tenth annual report on the implementation of Public Law 94-142 are extrapolated to characterize Black and Hispanic students in learning disability classes and the issue of minority student high-school completion rates. In light of the findings, a comprehensive follow-up study is…

Replicates a Florida study of high school students' decisions to drop out using data for West Virginia. Confirms earlier findings that the decision to drop out is based on the student's perceptions of the economic opportunities obtained by a high school diploma. (FMW)

Examined patient characteristics relevant to treatment outcome by administering Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory to 86 men following admission to a residential alcoholism treatment program. Cluster analyses yielded three subtypes which differed significantly in their rates of treatment completion. Comparison of data to that obtained in…

The article describes the development and analysis of a system to identify and monitor high-risk students in postsecondary vocational training programs at vocational-technical institutes. The two instruments focus on (1) student satisfaction and (2) instructors' opinions on student abilities and attitudes (student "satisfactoriness')." (DB)

A study using data from the High School and Beyond Survey examined the effects of employment on grade point averages, dropout rate, and postcollege wages and employment rates of 4,068 college students. While working students were more likely to drop out than nonworking students, they also did better in the labor market if they do graduate. (MSE)

Santa Fe School Superintendent Yvonne Gonzales, the "Texas Tornado," was hired to fix a 40% student-dropout rate and a white/Hispanic gap in achievement test scores. Gonzales is an avid integrationist; relies on humor, appeasement, and persuasion tactics; and has alienated some school employees by increasing central office…

This study investigated adult adjustment of 82 students with behavioral disorders 1 and 3 years after exiting high school. Results are reported for general status (e.g., marital status and living arrangements); employment (percent employed, job classification); and "successful" adult adjustment. Results are also compared by graduation status…