Drug and alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy are two behaviors manifested by at-risk children that are both a cause and a result of their lack of success in school and possible subsequent dropping out. The distinction between substance use and abuse may be determined using the following criteria: (1) age of onset; (2) physiological responses; (3)…

A study assessed the pilot phase of a program called New Chance, which offers intensive, comprehensive, long-term services to young mothers, 17 to 21 years old, all of whom are poor and most of whom are welfare recipients and high school dropouts. Program services, which center on education, occupational skills training, parenting and health…

This interim evaluation compares the initiation, design, and curriculum of two school-based "academy" programs in Oakland (California) high schools and examines their links to the school district and the business community. The academy model of schools-within-a-school originated in Philadelphia. The Health Academy at Oakland Technical…

Knowledge of Jordan's historical background and the role of well-educated individuals and groups in motivating adults to participate in learning activities is essential for finding ways to recruit and retain adults in education programs. Some means that have proven effective include the following: (1) persuading religious and social leaders to…

This handbook is designed to provide teacher trainers with ideas and resources for preparing preservice teachers to effectively teach at-risk students. Based on case studies, the booklet provides a framework for fostering a more structured contact between at-risk students and teacher trainees. The first section profiles 12 case studies describing…

This study reports students' perceptions of their school's curriculum, support services, attendance policies, and social-learning climate. The study analyzed the interview responses of a sample of 236 students, administrators, teachers, and counselors at 6 Florida high schools representing a range of graduation rates. The following general…

The effects of student characteristics and remedial program placement policy on academic achievement and other outcomes were studied at 10 Michigan community colleges. The study population consisted of 3,448 students enrolled in remedial writing at colleges with a compulsory remedial placement policy and 2,669 students enrolled in remedial writing…

The paper addresses issues concerning the future of special education with a focus on the mildly handicapped (MH). After an initial section presenting the particular frame of reference and philosophical biases underlying this presentation, recommendations are made for a possible agenda which addresses seven key areas in the field. Among…

A study was conducted at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) to examine student enrollment and retention patterns; quarter-to-quarter retention; retention rates by full-time/part-time status, sex, race, and age; cumulative graduation rates; and the relationship between first-quarter academic performance and subsequent quarter enrollment.…

Several independent analyses of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) indicate that it has achieved mixed results and has failed to effectively serve disadvantaged youth and school dropouts. It can only offer short-term, low-cost programs, and has difficulty in attracting youths. The number of dropouts being served is declining. The…

The paper explores problems that frequently cause migrant students to become high school dropouts and outlines possible solutions; it chronologically reviews developments to provide continuity in migrant students' secondary education programs; and outlines further needed action. Identified as barriers to completion of high school are the economic…

This Civil Action (C.A.) settlement agreement concerns employment policies (specifically of minorities), student transfers, boundary changes and new school construction, facilities and supplies, instructional programming, the dropout rate, and retention of the Voluntary Interdistrict Education Plan. These concerns are related to the increase of…

The Attendance Improvement/Dropout Prevention (AI/DP) Program is a six-component program involving selected high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and nontraditional school settings in New York City. This study of the program included site visits, examination of student records, staff interviews, and analyses of information from the…

The Houston Job Training Partnership Council's (HJTPC) Summer Basic Training Programs consisted of eight-week summer training programs at 14 sites that were provided by six organizations under contracts. Evaluation of the program involved pre-testing and post-testing at each site on achievement in reading, mathematics, and writing; pre-testing and…

Colleges and universities have failed to meet the unique educational needs of Native American students, whose attrition rates are far in excess of those of other students. These students must come to terms with their cultural identity while functioning within the culturally alien framework presented by the school. Federally funded programs have…