The issue of students dropping out before completing secondary education is a global concern with significant individual and societal consequences. Various terms, such as Early School Leaving (ESL), Early Leaving from Education and Training (ELET), and school dropout, reflect different policy perspectives on this phenomenon. Despite international…

Although vocational education and training is considered to be a good option for improving livelihood opportunities for marginalised youth in developing countries, it often suffers from an image problem. This situation affects the quality of entrants, instruction and skills acquisition in training programmes. In this article, the researchers…

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)

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)

Concept of "special education" focuses on schools' duty to develop programs that include and educate even the most difficult of the disabled. The concept of "school failure" puts the responsibility on the students, excluding them, though they also have a "disability.""Zero reject" concept, which includes all students, is recommended. (PS)

This study examines the impact of school structures on potential dropouts. Data from field notes, interviews, and school records are used to describe and discuss the effectiveness of interventions generated by a school committee which worked to prevent at-risk students from dropping out of high school. (IAH)

Since the beginning of the American experience, labels have been used to describe generations. Among them are the "Puritan generation," the "greatest generation," the "baby boomer generation" and the "MTV generation." Today, people are creating a new generation--the "lost generation." The lost generation represents a large and growing population…

Reports on high schools' efforts to break the academic failure cycle and prevent drop-outs. Describes and reports the outcomes of the peer tutoring/mentoring pilot program developed as part of a major collaborative effort between the City University of New York and the New York City Board of Education. (JK)

Discusses the social consequences of dropping out of high school, the behavioral patterns of dropping out, and predictors of dropping out. Suggests that counselors identify potential dropouts early, start programs targeted to meet potential dropouts' needs, and keep in contact with them. (Author/ABB)

Describes dropout prevention programs in the School District of Philadelphia: (1) High School Academies, schools within schools that provide a holistic approach to the transition from school to work; (2) Jobsearch; (3) Education for Employment Initiative, an effort to coordinate programs that prepare students for employment; and (4) Vocational…

Although the national reports have not focused on the problem, effective schools must address the needs of potential school dropouts. The author rebuts some of the common arguments against dropout prevention programs, arguing that successful dropout prevention is one of the key indicators of overall school effectiveness. (Author/TE)

Describes a South Carolina program, "Tender Loving Counseling," designed to identify potential dropouts for group and individual counseling. Describes focus of the program to be on building self-concept, motivation, and study skills. (TE)

Identifies basic issues relevant to the development of dropout prevention programs. Considers (1) risk factors leading to dropout, (2) nine possible target groups for dropout intervention, and (3) four possible constraints (cost, burden, directions, and laws) that will influence the consideration and selection of new policies or programs. (IW)

Although successful dropout assistance programs depend on effective implementation, casework, and long-term followup activities, the literature only occasionally addresses these practices. This article reviews data collection problems, major risk factors, reforms aimed at actual and potential dropouts, and alternative school programs. Second…

The Leaving School Early (LSE) Program, established in 1975, is designed for 14- and 15-year-olds who find none of the public school programs suitable. Applicants are assessed by a social worker and an individualized work or education contract written. LSE participants are monitored by teacher advisors. (SJL)