Assesses the comparative value of positive lifestyle changes in experimental and control groups of pregnant African American adolescent high school students to determine whether negative outcomes of early childbearing could be prevented. Experimental group students, who were provided several interventions, avoided negative childbearing outcomes…

Early intervention, substantial parent involvement, effective instruction, and staff development that empowers teachers can improve the achievement of at-risk students. The task is to combine each of these components into a coherent whole by coordinating the efforts of the school, the family, and the community into a comprehensive set of…

Presents the conclusions of a study of the role of technology in restructuring schools. Criteria for a good school system, technology and at-risk students, current and proposed school models,elements essential for restructured schools, and the cost of dropouts are discussed. Two graphs showing dropout costs are included. (three references) (KRN)

A case management system provided individualized attention to urban youths returning to mainstream high schools from alternative settings. To prevent dropping out, students received academic assistance, social services, employment services, and computerized resource data. Fewer students dropped out or returned to alternative settings, and more…

Describes the Portable Assisted Study Sequence (PASS) program, a coordinated national effort to help migrant students complete their education. Provides information on the following: (1) when PASS can be taken; (2) how it operates; (3) what PASS courses are available; (4) what comprises a PASS packet; (5) how credits are awarded; and (6) program…

Temple-Inland Partnership in Schools (T.I.P.S.) is a pilot partnership between a rural Texas industry and school district intended to help prevent dropouts through tutoring and counseling. The goal is to help students develop skills, confidence, and pride in attaining an education and earning a high school diploma. (SM)

Discusses results of a study that identified promising practices in both dropout prevention and transition programs for youth at risk in 67 Florida school districts. Practices related to timing (grade range), curriculum, setting, and partnerships are reviewed. (SLD)

Interviews with 44 dropout youth with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, or mild mental retardation found that educators and administrators need to change their attitudes toward and treatment of these youth, that the youth themselves need to change their attitudes and behavior, and that there needs to be more support from teachers and…

Mentoring students via programs such as HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) helps kids avoid or tackle problems associated with substance abuse, pregnancy, gangs, and academic and social failure. A Dupont-sponsored program in Wilmington, Delaware, has helped students improve relationships with peers and adults. (MLH)

An urban New Jersey district changed its high-school suspension policy, giving chronically tardy students administrative detention. Suspensions have been halved, and more students are graduating. Other successful programs include peer mediation and an alternative-education/tutoring program for disaffected middle-schoolers. (MLH)

Comprehensive support was provided to urban, first-time adolescent mothers in a prospective research project designed to reduce repeat pregnancy and school dropout rates. Home visits, parenting classes, school advocacy, and case-management services were provided. Intervention (n=34) and control (n=29) groups were followed to evaluate the…

The middle school teacher is the first line of defense against dropout risk for students. This article presents a plan for teachers to design and conduct learning units that cure, rather than cause, further risk. The plan is supported by a model based on recent brain research that meshes student interests with curricular constraints and goals.…

Among junior high school students at risk of dropout, 45 with cognitive skill deficits were taught using the Cognitive-Based Instructional System (CBIS) and compared with 27 controls. Teachers using CBIS felt empowered to engineer instruction for at-risk students; CBIS's reflection in action helped change their beliefs about teaching and learning.…

Chicago, like many cities, suffers from a significant drop-out problem in its public high schools. The Chicago Public School system (CPS) committed itself in 2001 to utilize small schools--intimate learning environments of no more than 300 students built on communication, collaboration and meeting the needs of the community they serve--as a…

Donna Johnson teaches troubled, abused, and mentally disturbed teenage girls at Hope Hill Children's Home Alternative School. She also teaches students who earn credits toward a diploma through Providence High School, an online entity Johnson created from scratch last January. It seems like a mighty odd move for a 58-year old grandmother with no…