Research and Evaluation

• Dropout Rates in the United States: 2000. Presents data on high school and completion rates in 2000, the most recent year for which data are available.

• Easing the Transition to High School: An Investigation of Reform Practices to Promote Ninth Grade Success (PDF). This study investigates the effectiveness of practices aimed at promoting ninth grade success, including student attendance, achievement, promotion and dropout rates.

Noteworthy Practices

• Does Job Corps Work? Summary of the National Job Corps Study. Researchers evaluated the national Job Corps program and found that it produces long-term benefits for the at-risk youth it serves, including increased earnings and decreased criminal activity. In addition, the program is cost-effective, with more benefits per student than costs.

• Dropout Re-Engagement: A New Approach (National Association of Secondary Schools Principals, 2003). The Albuquerque Public Schools district has a new and innovative system for recruiting dropouts and giving them the support they need to return to school and get their high school degrees.

• Florida's Dropout Prevention Activities. Florida provides technical assistance, strategies, and resources to assist schools and school districts to implement innovative and exemplary programs aimed at reducing the number of students who have fallen behind and who are at risk of not graduating from school.

• The University of the District of Columbia's (UDC) Saturday Academy (SA) is a pre-college program established to increase the number of underserved and underrepresented Washington-area students who are interested in and prepared to pursue careers in science and technology.

• Score for College (SCORE) works with schools to establish, enhance, or overhaul academic support programs. The program improves student behavior and attitude; increases student academic performance in a rich curriculum; and raises college and career eligibility rates, especially for high-risk students. Various SCORE programs have received funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional Links

• Journal of At-Risk Issues. Research journal containing articles about issues related to at-risk situations.

• The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) is committed to creating and sustaining educational partnerships. One of its primary objectives is to promote student achievement and increase access to postsecondary education for all students.

• National Dropout Prevention Center. Research center and resource network for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to reshape school and community environments to meet the needs of youth in at-risk situations so these students receive the quality education and services necessary to succeed academically and graduate from high school.

• School Dropout Prevention Program of the U.S. Department of Education. Supports school dropout prevention and reentry activities to raise academic achievement levels through grants to schools and organizations.