The dropout problem is growing at an alarming rate. In California educational clinics are being experimentally developed for use with dropout students. Describes the educational clinic planned for Grant Joint Union High School District. (MD)

Reviews various alternative education programs. Argues that educators need to balance the alternatives offered within a school district, giving choices to a wide range of student abilities, not just to potential dropouts. (FL)

The principal of a Louisville, Kentucky, alternative high school uses a "come when you can" schedule, a promise of success, and a high school diploma rather than a General Education Development certificate to entice would-be dropouts and pushouts to finish their education. Highly individualized and computer-assisted programs make the…

Programs to encourage dropouts to finish school need to overcome the roadblocks of credits, time, and support services. Highlights nine specific hallmarks of effective dropout prevention programs gleaned from a study of 479 programs titled: "School Dropouts: Survey of Local Programs." (MLF)

Brief descriptions of what four school systems are doing to keep students in school or get them back once they have dropped out. The systems are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Washoe County, Nevada; Renton, Washington; and Central York School District, Pennsylvania. (MLF)

To improve its alarming dropout rate, a southwestern Texas school district instituted the PRIDE Center, an alternative high school featuring self-paced curricula and flexible timetables for beginning and completing coursework. School social workers formed an ancillary coalition of community, business, and family forces to support prevention,…

Surveys alcohol and drug-use behaviors in relation to HIV/AIDS risk among 212 youth in dropout-prevention programs. Alcohol and drug use and age of sexual initiation are significantly associated with high risk. HIV/AIDS-prevention programs need to target alcohol and drug use as important influences on risky sexual behavior. (MKA)

Over the last decade, between 347,000 and 544,000 10th- through 12th-grade students left school each year without successfully completing a high school program Status dropout rates represent the proportion of young people ages 16 through 24 who are out of school and who have not earned a high school credential. Status rates are higher than event…

To help administrators answer important questions about student needs and dropout program effectiveness, this article offers a basic checklist of recommended characteristics, including a cohesive, systemwide strategy; clearly identified at-risk students; well-clarified roles; caring attitudes toward students; tough and compassionate staff; and…

Describes the Meaningful Other Person (MOP) program instituted at a North Carolina ninth grade center that reduced the dropout rate by 50 percent. (FL)

A high school in Oregon has had positive results from the development of a dropout prevention program. Students meet together each day, develop goals, and earn credits for successful efforts. Program design and implementation are described. (DF)

This literature review focuses on the dropout phenomenon in general education, discussing interventions, dropout characteristics, and consequences of dropping out, and emphasizing literature on special education dropouts. The paper concludes by discussing implications for research and service programs that can address the dropout problem in…

This article reports that education leaders in Los Angeles, faced with unrelenting pressure to raise anemic high school graduation rates, are turning to YouTube, MySpace, text messaging, and the radio waves to reach students at risk of dropping out of school and lure back thousands who have already left. The Los Angeles Unified School…

Describes the goals and substantial achievements of Operation Success, a school-based program aimed at bringing dropouts back into school and serving those on the verge of dropping out. Also discusses students' reasons for dropping out, strategies for case management, and the coordination of funding. (RDN)

Introduces some possibilities for treating the condition of the misplaced and dislocated adolescent. Reviews the development of street academies as one attempt to address the problems of out-of-school youth. Concludes that systematic efforts are needed to serve an ignored population. (Author/WD)