Compares and describes school leavers in Ontario, Canada, and Somerset, England. Notes functional illiteracy is common among school leavers. Decides that the best approach is a concentrated effort on reading in grades three and four. Describes such a program to be instituted in York, Ontario, in September, 1984. (BRR)

CONTACT is an alternative school program for dropout students who return, and for students who do not benefit from a regular secondary school program. Presented are a history of CONTACT school, a study design, a description of how student needs are identified, and a section on the evaluation instruments. Study results attempt to answer questions…

While the number of minority students in postsecondary education has climbed since 1970, the rates of minority graduation are still too low. Factors adding to the dropout rate include: inadequate finances, poor academic preparation, low motivation, poor study habits, low basic skills, and low institutional support. This paper describes support…