A method of preventing attrition in high school and college therapy groups emphasizes realistic goals. A personal commitment form allows students to choose their own goals and suggests how the group could help. Records show that with this method, the attrition rate dropped from 25% to 3%. (JAC)

This study examined state-by-state variation in high school completion rates and the impact of state-level child disability, demographic, and economic factors upon completion by diploma or certificate for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED). Variables examined included ethnicity, geographic region, per capita personal income, per pupil…

The study of four community-based organizations (CBOs) participating in the Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention program in New York City illustrates that it is important to distinguish among the characteristics of CBOs when schools think about forming collaboratives with them. CBOs may serve very different purposes for school needs. (SLD)

Examined teacher risk taking during the development of a school-within-a-school program in a Professional Development School, targeting sophomores at high risk for dropping out. Findings indicated that a psychology of risk-taking behavior provided a useful lens for understanding teacher risk-taking in this context and that the three essential…

An African program for high-risk college students focusing on aspects of the learning context, including the student-teacher relationship, perceptions of textbooks and notes, and the nature and role of tests, resulted in improvements in student attitudes, quality of learning, and academic performance. Implications for college teaching are…

A study of 377 students in an Australian technological institution of higher education investigated the personal, demographic, institutional, and environmental factors associated with dropping out before program completion. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for program adjustments and improved services to accommodate student needs…

The Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program is an alternative public school in Rhode Island for middle school students who are in danger of dropping out. Success in the program is credited to collaboration among three school districts, strong community support, and school-based decision making. Offers tips to keep alternative schools from…

Several programs started in Passaic, New Jersey are beginning to show evidence of success. Teen Institute of the Garden State is a program designed to help students build confidence by working in the community. Teen pregnancy and the drop-out rate are addressed in a program called Graduation, Reality, and Dual-Role Skills. (MLF)

Case studies of 10 unmarried, African-American adolescent mothers at risk of dropping out of school are presented, revealing the stressful situations created by competing demands of school and home. Educational deficits that existed prior to pregnancy and their influence on contraceptive behavior and pregnancy resolution are noted. Intervention…

This qualitative study describes the experiences of an adolescent with learning disabilities at risk of becoming a dropout. Intervention focused on teaching him anger control strategies and providing a vehicle for him to talk about his relationships with teachers, peer interaction, and engagement with education. (Author/JDD)

A number of analysts and leaders state that investments must be made in furthering employees' skills and upgrading the nation's infrastructure. Revenue resources suggested include changes in the tax code to target those "on the gravy train" and reclaiming funds from the military budget. (MLF)

Evaluated separate and combined effects of study skills training and career counseling on student retention among 36 college students at high risk for dropping out of college. Students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment or control conditions. Only study-skills-alone treatment had significant positive impact on retention and achieved…

The Teen Parenting Program, combining individualized academic and parenting instruction, has decreased future costs to society by reducing the dropout rate for expectant mothers from 80 percent to 38 percent and second pregnancy rates from 30-45 percent to 8 percent and by increasing birthweights of babies born to program mothers. Describes the…

A model of student progress and drop-out from postsecondary distance education courses includes components of background characteristics; motivation; academic environment; and the family, work, and social environment. The author recommends ways in which distance education courses might be formatted so as to reduce student drop-out. (Author/MLW)

A study of 418 academically underprepared college students found a positive correlation between students' perceptions of their career decision-making self-efficacy and their overall social and academic adjustment to the academic environment. Further research into career decision-making self-efficacy is recommended, particularly for intervention to…