In an effort to reduce the number of dropouts in a Florence, South Carolina school system, an experimental English curriculum focusing on reading skills and attitudes toward school was created. The participating students were uninterested in education beyond high school and accustomed to low achievement in school work. Learning activities in the…

With the implementation of an open admissions policy in 1970-71, Bronx Community College undertook a study of students entering in the fall of 1970 to determine changes in levels of academic preparation, trends in attrition and retention for students differentially prepared for college work, identification of entry variables associated with…

This paper describes a community-based approach to delinquency prevention utilizing indigenous nonprofessionals as behavior change agents. Adult residents in two Model Cities communities served as "buddies" of youth referred for behavior and academic problems. The principles and techniques of behavior modification were used in the training of…

The Edison Project is an ESEA Title VIII dropout prevention program for 250 tenth grade students who were identified as potential dropouts on the basis of previous attendance, grades, and grade level retention. Some of the problems that affect student attendance have been found to be gangs, money, race, and relevance of education. The project was…

Phase III, the development and testing of experimental programs to reduce the rate of student attrition, of the Northern California Cooperative Research Project (NORCAL) on Student Attrition is reported upon. Phase I of the program was the description and identification of characteristics associated with attrition among Junior College students…

Funded under ESEA Title I, this program was designed to provide income and work experience for disadvantaged junior high school youths age fourteen and above; and, to provide incentives which would motivate youths to continue their education through high school. The wages earned were intended to enable the student to provide for some of his…

In this report are described some current programs aimed at dropout prevention. The report focuses on programs that appear to be yielding results and that lend themselves to adaptation by other schools. The discussion comprises (1) new approaches to dropout prevention, (2) student motivation projects, (3) work-study projects, (4) schooling for…

Project Stay is a demonstration project of the St. Louis Public Schools, funded under Title VIII of Public Law 90-247, with several programs concentrating on reducing the number of dropouts. The project has the purpose of identifying students who are potential dropouts, determining their individual needs, and developing programs to meet those…

Project VIII is an innovative behavioral science oriented educational program, funded under Title VIII Elementary Secondary Education Act, designed to attack the personal, social, and educational problems of children whose previous record of school failure and frustration has indicated high dropout potential. The program is operated as a…

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a counseling program designed to improve pupil self-esteem, thereby hopefully reducing the number of future school dropouts The program was conducted at Cooley Education and Vocational Guidance Center and served 87 pupils. The need for such a program was apparent when the high rate of secondary…

An innovative program knows as "ASTW", a system that works, was designed to assist the non-traditional student in a university setting. The program goal is retention of the non-traditional student through counseling and learning assistance. Peer Counselors play a key role in the total program operation. They are the paraprofessionals who…

Lack of money may not be the major factor in student dropout rates. Some studies indicate that attrition rates are more affected by learner attitudes and goals and a good "fit" between student and institution. Current theories about student retention and attrition are reviewed. (Editor/LBH)

Tested an empirically based prediction model of school dropout on juvenile delinquents (N=137). Identified four factors yielding a high level of prediction: misbehavior in school, disliking school, the negative influence of peers with respect to dropping out and getting into trouble, and a marginal or weak relationship with parents. (Author/ABB)

Reviews the status of minority students in California's educational system, pointing to high dropout rates, community college enrollment trends, and social factors. Highlights the correlation between educational performance and expectations, urging a well-orchestrated effort focusing on guidance, retention, and standards of excellence across all…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) See You Next Year: Congress Wraps Up for 2006, Delays Education Funding Decisions to 2007; (2) "Healthier and Wealthier":…