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)

Describes study of students in grades 8 through 12 that was conducted to determine the degree to which television messages influence a person's construction of reality (the cultivation hypothesis). Research methodology that tests the effects of television exposure is examined with emphasis on the importance of demographic control variables. (38…

Examines attitudinal variables (e.g., math anxiety, attitude toward success), locus of control, high school grade point average (HSGPA), and Scholastic Aptitude Test Quantitative (SATQ) scores as predictors of first-quarter grades in a developmental mathematics course. Reports that HSGPA, SATQ, and self-confidence were significant predictors of…

Describes a study that used a computer survey to investigate the relationship between computer attitudes and the selected variables of age, gender, and computer knowledge among adult basic education students in Texas. Hypotheses tested are explained, comparisons are made with a national sample, and recommendations for further studies are…

Examines teenage decision making for resolution of an unplanned pregnancy and the predictors of both the initial plan and the consistency of the adoption plan. Data from 162 pregnant adolescents reveal that the mother's preference strongly predicts the initial plan, and the birthfather's preference affects the consistency of adoption. (GLR)

The supportive relationships of 167 sixth graders with parents, teachers, and peers were examined in relation to motivation at school. Relations of perceived support from parents, teachers, and peers to student motivation differed depending on the source of support and motivational outcome. Peer support was a positive predictor of prosocial goal…

A study of 539 foster parents found that some of the factors influencing their satisfaction were feeling competent to handle placed children, wanting to take in children who needed loving parents, no regret about investment in foster children, foster mother's age, and agency social worker providing information and showing approval. (Author/CR)

A study examined the overlap between behaviors associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders and emergent literacy skills in 44 children from middle-income families and 41 Head Start children. Attention problems were associated with literacy skills in both groups, however, the effect was strongest for the middle-income group.…

Several theoretical perspectives regarding the manner in which parental behavior might increase the probability that an adolescent will engage in dating violence were tested using 113 adolescent males. Frequent exposure to corporal punishment increased the risk of dating violence; interparental aggression did not. Low support and involvement by…

Estimates effects of cognitive ability as measured by test scores and educational attainment on young adults' demand for alcohol, using data from a followup survey of high school seniors six years after graduation. For both sexes, graduating from college and test scores negatively affect heavy drinking. (27 references) (MLH)

A survey of 230 secondary school principals found that they viewed their leadership skills for guiding collaborative-based programs to be within the average range. Predictors of their self-perceived competence were clock hours in noncredit-generative professional-development activities, academic degrees, and number of years teaching in general…

This study examined educational achievement of 747 mainstreamed deaf 16-year olds in England using data on examination results, communication competence, social acceptance, and background factors. Predictors of examination success included family socioeconomic status, presence of any additional learning difficulty, whether English was used as a…

Investigated implications of body-fat differences for dating and sexual activity and implications of heterosexual activity for dieting and weight concerns in adolescent girls. Found that among white girls, and blacks with college-educated mothers, more body fat was associated with lower dating probability, even among non-obese girls. Body fat was…

This study examined changes in support and stress for 352 high school-age subjects at three points over a seven-month period. Questionnaire responses indicated that mothers were selected most often as primary support person. Perceptions of parental and family support were instrumental in predicting adolescents changing their nomination of support…

Examined variation in and relationships among delinquency, attachment to adults, optimism about occupational future, and disposition toward aggressiveness in German adolescent apprentices. Found considerable variation across the four variables. Attachment to adults predicted attitudes toward delinquency and optimism regarding occupational future.…