California's problems of educational and occupational underachievement for Hispanics, a large and growing proportion of the state's population, are examined in light of the state's efforts and concerns in providing equal education, lowering the language barrier, and encouraging academic persistence. (MSE)

Discusses the necessity of retention systems for talented black students at white universities. Programs must take into consideration their financial needs, the process of transition from high school to college, and the opportunity for professional development. Examines components of a minority achievers program at Indiana University in…

A 24-city program called "Career Beginnings" designed to encourage students who might be on the verge of dropping out to finish high school and attend college is described. The program brings together colleges, high schools, and businesses in an effort to improve the prospects of disadvantaged high-school students. (MLW)

For poor and minority teenagers the lack of adequate life options may increase their desire for early pregnancy. Since teen mothers face probable poverty and single parenthood, it is imperative that schools and school social workers provide counseling, health services, and work preparation as well as academic skills training. (VM)

The educational reform movement has proven largely irrelevant to urban minority students' needs. Dropout prevention programs have bestowed meaningless diplomas, while side-stepping the root causes of failure and underachievement. Urban high schools are large and impersonal and have a sour, dispirited atmosphere that discourages learning. Clearly,…

Emphasis on basis skills, standardized testing and curriculum standardization in alternative education programs creates the same conditions that originally lead students to drop out. Flexibility of alternative education programs is important. These nontraditional programs should exist as part of the many options that can meet the needs of…

Cites the high dropout rates for native students in Saskatchewan urban centers and suggests that the inner-city native alternative school may be the best way to return students to some form of education leading to eventual employment. Lists 17 "do's" and "don'ts" for effective alternative schools. (JHZ)

"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) FY 2005 Budget Released: President Opens Door to High School Initiatives, but Disappoints School Districts by…

The reasons that students in the United Kingdom fail to complete General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ) courses were examined through a study that involved four key elements: questionnaire survey of 3,391 students enrolled in GNVQ courses in further education colleges and schools; questionnaire survey of 782 centers providing GNVQs;…

While the demand for a highly skilled workforce has increased, several reports have highlighted the poor performance of high school students in reading, math, and science. Moreover, the achievement gap between white and minority students is widening. Latino students have one of the highest dropout rates and they perform less well than their peers…

Beginning with the class of 2003, all Massachusetts students must pass the state's high stakes test, MCAS, in order to graduate, which may significantly affect Massachusetts' already high dropout rate. According to this MCAS Alert, instead of remedying the problem of students who graduate without skills, this policy threatens to push the most…

This study presents data and findings on student retention at South Texas Community College (STCC) and recommends steps to improve retention rates. STCC groups attrition into three categories: (1) positive attrition, due to graduation, completion or transfer; (2) neutral attrition, due to non-institutional conflicts; and (3) negative attrition,…

The "National Dropout Prevention Newsletter" is published quarterly by the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network. This issue contains the following articles: (1) College As A Bridge to High School Graduation (Terry Cash); (2) 2005 NDPN Crystal Star Awards of Excellence; (3) Mott Middle College (Chery S. Wagonlander); (4) Gateway to…

The national summer dropout campaign of 1963 was initiated by President Kennedy. Subsequent to a June 19 meeting at the White House of over 250 leading educators, another group of local administrators met with Federal officials to discuss possible actions that might be taken to reduce dropouts. The ensuing campaign began and ended within a span of…

Contains nine articles focusing on prevention programs and school counseling. Topics addressed include educational alternatives for potential dropouts, childhood depression, suicide, and school vandalism. Describes programs facilitating adolescent development and for the prevention of delinquent behavior. Discusses the counselor's role in failure…