A study with follow-up interviews of services for homeless and mentally ill persons (original sample of 163) had a very high success rate of over 70% in tracking this difficult to locate population. Techniques for locating clients are presented, as identified by a focus group of five researchers. (SLD)

Alternative schools provide structured learning environment where students can continue their education and earn credit while learning academic and life skills. Survey of 45 at-risk students enrolled in alternative high school program showed greater satisfaction with alternative program than with a traditional high school program. Administrators…

A survey of 30 withdrawing students and 85 graduates of health professions schools of a Canadian university found that program and curriculum dissatisfaction, uncertainty about educational and occupational goals, and stress associated with the profession were the most important reasons for voluntary withdrawal. Dropouts were typically older,…

This article examines school dropout rates, the impact of dropouts on society, and the prevention of dropouts by early identification of "reluctant learners" and early instructional interventions that address motivation, self-concept, attention, and learning strategies. At the secondary level, intervention should focus on school conditions that…

Discusses issues in distance education for adults that can affect the welfare of others and suggests ethical sensitivity is needed. Ethical issues addressed include admission and retention of students; course development and presentation; program and course marketing; administrative issues; learner/instructor interaction; and evaluation. (29…

This article shows how the methods of survival analysis (also known as event history analysis) lend themselves to the study of the timing of educational events. Using examples from teacher attrition and student dropout research, survival methods are introduced for building statistical models of the risk of event occurrence over time. (Author/SLD)

Two hundred ninth-grade students with low grade point averages and high absenteeism rates were provided tutoring services, and their teachers were provided consultation to make the classroom environment less punitive. The classroom environment became more positive, more students completed assignments, and dropouts and suspensions decreased.…

This article reviews teaching strategies expected to be effective in alternative education programs for students at risk for school failure, dropout, and delinquency. The need for alternative education programs for students in both special and general education is discussed, along with recommended alternative education strategies and program…

Addresses issues related to high dropout rates of Black college students, including those at historically black institutions. Finds a gap in services once students reach college and describes proposed federal legislation (the William H. Grant III College Completion Challenge Grant Program of 1999) which would offer institutions grants to develop…

Examined antecedents and moderators of antisocial behavior among children interviewed annually through high school and in early adulthood. Analyses identified four configurations differing in early school dropout and criminal arrests. School extracurricular activity participation related to reduced rates of early dropout and criminal arrest among…

Examined student recruitment into an alcohol prevention program within neighborhood and magnet inner-city middle schools, noting student retention through one-month posttest and one-year followup. At one month, dropouts were more at risk for alcohol use initiation than nondropouts. At one year, dropouts were more likely to initiate alcohol and…

Describes Mat-Su Alternative School (Wasilla, Alaska), which accepts dropouts age 15 to 21. School features include informal environment; small class size; comfortable teacher/student relationships; unconventional projects to engage student interest; parenting classes, day care for students' children, and other student support services; and…

Using traditional Native research methods (talking circles and vision quests), a teacher at Edmonton (Alberta) Public Schools discovered why Canadian Native students' dropout rate was so high. Kids' complaints about poor relationships with teachers, racism, peer pressure, and poor family support were heeded, and successful interventions were…

Examined correlates of degree attainment (GED certificate or high school diploma) in high school dropouts of Mexican American or non-Latino white descent. Results for data from 519 dropouts indicate that 59.2% of dropouts return to obtain high school credentials, and that school capability, age at dropout, and socioeconomic status significantly…

Describes an early intervention program at a Catholic elementary school that is designed to increase the likelihood of academic success for at-risk, homeless children. Describes elements of the project's academic and after-school programs and suggests that programs establishing close working relationships with local Headstart programs increase…