The Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) developed a Dropout Retrieval Project with the following aims: (1) to identify and retrieve the dropout students aged 16 to 21; (2) to bring the students back to educational programs which would lead to the completion of their education; and (3) to develop plans to prevent future dropouts. This report…

Projects Return constitutes an attempt by the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools to bring school dropouts back into the school system. During 1986-87, Project Return handled 123 percent more referrals than during 1985-86, the project's first year; the actual figures were 1,091 and 489, respectively. Economically disadvantaged youth make up a large…

THE PROBLEM OF THE INCREASINGLY LARGE NUMBERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE LEAVING HIGH SCHOOL BEFORE GRADUATION WAS PRESENTED. SPEAKERS AND DISCUSSION GROUPS AT THE WORKSHOP AIMED AT PRESENTING THE PLIGHT OF THE DROPOUT FOR THE PURPOSE OF AWAKENING AND MOBILIZING SOCIAL, CIVIC, POLITICAL, BUSINESS, AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN AN EFFORT TO ASSIST YOUTH…

This annotated bibliography, the first of a series of five reports of selected literature included in the ERIC system, three of which have been completed, carries a short review on the causes and characteristics of the school dropout, and of special groups of dropouts listed in the bibliography section. Approximately a third of the annotated list…

This study of the correlation between the self-concept of black university students and their academic persistence supports previous research identifying the importance of self-efficacy in academic persistence. Forty of the 115 18-year-old, American-born black freshmen, who lived on campus at a large predominantly white university, volunteered to…

Reviews dropout characteristics; identifies the components of an overall dropout prevention approach; and describes the role of legislation, school administration, and public-private collaboratives in developing dropout prevention strategies. Emphasizes the use of public and private resources to improve the opportunities of the disadvantaged. (FMW)

The DELTA program of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) (Texas) is an open-entry, open-exit competency-based diploma program in 10 high schools that is designed to help recover former dropouts and to prevent students who are at risk from dropping out. Instruction in the program is individualized and self-paced, but goals for the DELTA…

This practicum paper describes the design and implementation of a mentoring program to improve the academic achievement of black male urban high school students. The program utilizes black adult mentors from both the community and the school's faculty. Mentors function as role models, advisers, and resource persons. The program design includes the…

This practicum was designed by a curriculum development administrator to develop positive attitudes in at-risk 7th-9th grade students in a drop prevention school in Florida. The school was located in a small town in an agricultural county whose population was predominantly black and of low socioeconomic status. The number of students varied from…

President Bush's National Education Goals for the year 2000 include increasing the percentage of students graduating from high school, increasing the percentage of dropouts who return later to complete a high school degree or its equivalent, and closing the gap in graduation rates between minority group students and White students. Census figures…

This document comprises part 2 of a two-part evaluation of the third-year implementation of the New York City Board of Education's 3-year high school Dropout Prevention Initiative (DPI). It consists of reports on 8 special substudies of the program in year 3 (part 1 describes the DPI and presents the evaluation findings and recommendations.) The…

Discusses successful strategies for preventing Black students from leaving school before graduation. Argues that the best solution to this complex problem is to ensure that Black children learn the necessary academic and cognitive skills in school before proceeding to the next grade level. (FMW)

This report describes the background and plans for an alternative education program to reduce the high dropout rate at Baldwyn High School in Baldwyn, Mississippi. Research shows that students drop out primarily because they are behind grade level and are older than their classmates. Of Baldwyn High School's approximately 290 students, between 25…

This speech by the education advocate of the National Urban League outlines the involvement of that organization in the national struggle for quality educational opportunities for black Americans. The history of black education is discussed, from dual "separate but equal" school systems to the Brown decision to current census data that…

Describes the Middle College High School (MCHS) at Seattle (Washington) Central Community College, a public schools cooperative venture among the school system, community college, Seattle Housing Authority, and corporate sponsor. The MCHS enrolls students at risk of dropping out and boasts an impressive effort in retaining and educating these…