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)

Although the Pueblo (Colorado) School District's student dropout rate compares favorably with national and state data, the community found the disproportionate number of Hispanic dropouts unacceptable. This article describes the district's efforts to reorganize staff, strengthen existing programs, and institute teen mother, inhouse suspension,…

Expanding choice among public schools will improve student achievement and provide creative and decision-making professional opportunities for teachers. Three successful choice plans are discussed. Steps for developing choice plans are listed. (PS)

A look at national and particularly urban dropout rates reveals that the disadvantages of high school dropouts, relative to their graduate peers, are confounded by race, ethnicity, social class, and gender. Their troubles in terms of employment and earnings are more devastating today than they were 20 years ago. Quotes from Chester Finn present…

Underscores the need for educators to address the needs of minorities and at-risk students. Discusses studies of at-risk students undertaken by the Education Commission of the States. Considers the obligations of the schools toward at-risk teens. (DMM)

Suggests ways that teachers can identify students with mild learning problems, determine the assistance the students require, and alter their own teaching style to accommodate the students' learning needs. Recommends instructional techniques to address poor organizational skills, poor writing skills, long- or short-term memory problems, and…

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…

What music teachers can do to prevent students from dropping out of band is discussed. Suggestions include talking with the child, working with other teachers, getting support from parents, and taking a good look at the music program itself. (RM)

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)

Both financial and personal losses occur for students dropping out of higher education. Intervention programs designed to reduce student attrition have been suggested, and it is important to consider the extent to which these strategies can be effectively implemented. (MSE)

Assessed the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention program on potential dropouts (N=55). The results revealed that the experimental intervention did impact significantly on retention and absence rates, but student attitudes were not significantly affected. Results pose serious questions concerning the generalizations of the self-concept to…

Describes the plight of teenage unwed mothers who are unable to complete school. Suggests that the best solution is alternative schools such as those in Austin, Texas, which provide additional services needed by these young mothers and which have sharply reduced the dropout rate. (CJM)

Provides an overview of the status of Latino admissions, enrollment, and retention in colleges and universities in the State of Illinois. Focuses on (1) the use of standardized tests for Hispanic admissions and (2) access to the TRIO programs (special services to address retention problems) by Hispanics. (Author/GC)

Presents a model of adaptive education based on the systems-dynamic approach to the problem of student attrition. (DC)