Analysis of data from four courses shows that (1) female open learning students complete their courses more often than male counterparts, (2) open learning students who register at certain campuses complete their courses more often than students who register at others, and (3) students who complete and return assigned questionnaires are more…

College curricula are designed for students who operate at Piaget's "formal operational" stage of mental development, a stage that the majority of college freshmen have not attained. Modification of curricula to promote development toward this stage would (1) increase student retention rates, (2) improve financial stability, and (3) promote equal…

Mt Diablo High School began a six-phase dropout prevention program in 1986. It involves a summer transition program for freshmen, training for freshman teachers, ongoing follow up, reduction in class size, ninth grade performance review, and the creation of a ninth grade opportunity class for second semester freshmen students. (MD)

Describes a conference to consider the features of successful dropout prevention, including support for public awareness of efforts to prevent dropping out. Recommends mentoring, student assessment, gainful employment, incentives, and caring. Includes remarks from and descriptions of presentations. (DHP)

Student attitudes are affected by many aspects of classroom environment and attempts to change behavior must take them into account. By creating a nonthreatening classroom environment, teachers can address the motivational problems of at-risk students effectively. (JOW)

The author considers the effect of raising school standards on the dropout rate. Research related to dropout prevention programs is reviewed in order to identify charactertistics of effective programs. The West German system of early student differentiation is examined. (MT)

Reviews findings on factors that predict dropping out and relates these to recent recommendations for raising school standards. Identifies the adverse effects these standards might have on potential dropouts and discusses some ways of circumventing the negative consequences. Proposes an agenda for simultaneously raising standards and addressing…

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)

Defines student drop-out; presents data illustrating when external students are at greatest risk; explores reasons for the drop-out phenomenon in light of the distance education theories of Otto Peters, Borje Holmberg, and David Stewart; and lists suggestions to reduce early attrition rates and improve distance education institution functioning.…

The construct validity for potential high school dropouts (N=252) of Holland's theory of vocational choice as measured by the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) was studied. Results indicate Holland's theory is appropriate for potential high school dropouts and by implication, for other high school students. (Author)

This is the second in a series of issue briefs to be written for The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement during 2006. In this issue brief, the author examines what recent research says about high school dropouts and explains the powerful role schools can play in keeping students on track to graduate. The latter includes…

This article reviews the literature and provides examples of extrinsic motivators and incentives being used in public schools to decrease dropout rates, increase attendance, and increase academic achievement. The use of incentives has grown in favor as a way to increase student achievement, intrinsic motivation, self-worth, and retention. Certain…

This study examined the effectiveness of secondary school tutoring services in the Chicago Public Schools, Illinois. During school year 2001-2002, researchers surveyed 4,211 students from four Latino plurality high schools. Survey questions addressed tutoring services. Five student focus groups were held at one school. Results indicated that many…

Lowering the student dropout rate in America is one of the most significant challenges facing educators today. This book calls attention to this problem, and offers hope and suggestions on how to resolve it using effective strategies taken from research and personal observations gleaned from successful dropout prevention programs in school…

This report outlines strategies, developed by a state-legislative committee, for reducing the dropout rate in Colorado. The committee also investigated alternative methods of completing a high-school education program and ways of stressing the importance of education to Colorado youth. To gather information, testimonies provided by students,…