Abstract
The paper relates that the main reason most students drop out of college is because they become overwhelmed with trying to balance work and school and the need for money becomes dominant. The paper also discusses how some dropouts come from low income families who cannot support them financially, while others do not make the right choice of college and, being unhappy, they leave.

From the Paper
"Many people fail to realize the consequences of not receiving a degree and how it can affect their future. People sometimes look at a degree as an addition to what people already have, not as a new pathway in life. According to Yvonne Raley, author of Why We Quit, it is more common for students to fail to complete college than it is for students to graduate. This is horrible because ". . . six out of every ten jobs require a postsecondary education", according to Raley. Every student who does not make it until the end would be classified as a "loser" by some, but it is much deeper than just giving up. There are many barriers getting in the way of college completion and in today's society failing to receive a degree is a major issue."

Tags:universities, graduation, financing, education

Abstract
This paper researches the topic of high school dropouts, and explores how to intervene prior to students dropping out, how to support students in returning to school after dropping out, and finally how to assist drop outs who prefer to obtain GEDs rather than return to school. The paper reviews possible causes of the problem, and demonstrates ways to intervene at all stages of the process, from at-risk pre-dropouts to post-dropout clean up. The paper includes administrator and staff surveys in Appendix 1.

Outline:
Abstract
Statement of Question
Review of Literature
Methods
Findings
Discussion
References
Appendix 1

From the Paper
"Dorn has written a comprehensive textbook describing the history, from a sociological perspective as to the manner in which the institutions of education have been formed through failed policy to create a system that does not successfully teach students. The work describes the manner in which policies, administrations, schools and even the teachers themselves contribute to the problem of high drop out rates. The work highlights the waves of attention to different policies that have over the years contributed to decreases or increases in drop out rates and why such systems are failing students, even today. Dorn creates a strong case for the fact that statistical and social analysis in the US education system frequently seeks to resolve the problems by oft renewing programs they already know no to have worked effectively and basically always providing too little too late. (Dorn, 1996, p. 128)"

Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that extracurricular activities are found to be vitally important for the healthy development of high school students and in arresting dropouts. The writer discusses that by creating appropriate, engaging, and entertaining extra curricular activities and by involving all the students, schools could not only expect to increase the learning outcomes of all the students, but also make children enjoy the learning process. The writer concludes that there is also a definitely positive correlation between extracurricular activities and retention and academic performance.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Thus regular exercise programs have a direct positive influence and certainly contribute to minimize truancy rates. A more recent student research conducted at the Paramount high school in southern California also confirms the positive results received thus far. The research design was based on a quantitative study measuring the scores on maths; science and language using standardized testing methods. The study involved 25 students forming the control group while the other two groups each constituting 25 students represented those involved in either music or athletics as their extracurricular activity. The test subjects were rated in terms of cumulative GPA, language and Math test scores. The results from the tests showed a significant difference in terms of test scores between students in the control group and those who participated in either music or athletics. In every department participants of extracurricular programs outclassed their non-participating control group test subjects indicating the overall positive effects of extracurricular programs."

Tags:test, programs, schools, performance

Abstract
This report deals with the social and academic problems of students who are dropping out of school by reviewing existing literature on these problems as well as by considering different perspectives on how such problems can be constructively solved. The paper looks at the dropout problem in terms of how teachers and other professionals can communicate with students individually by de-stressing standardized measures and, instead, by emphasizing the role that technology plays in getting students back on track so that they do not drop out and think of their future in society without an education.

From the Paper
"The main problem addressed is that of the dropout problem assumedly among high school students but it is also an issue for college students, particularly freshman but in all grade levels, and testing scores in areas in which the academic focus level of the student population is not as high as it could be in terms of positive motivation for academic achievement, in terms of new NCLB rules, which this report will consider
summarily. This dropout problem can be divided into many specific categories that require a holistic and complete set of solutions. Many observers fear that the future of education in these areas is being compromised by static policies that do not take facing the problem of lower test-scores and learning curves into primary account. "Indeed, we are delinquent if we pass students through the grades and award them diplomas even if they are unprepared for the opportunities and challenges that await them... schools whose students consistently fail... should meet consequences" (Gandal and McGiffert, 2003, p. 41). This is one perspective on the problem that concentrates on punishing schools that do not take the issue of academically struggling students as seriously as they could under strict new NCLB rules."

Tags:measuring, academic, achievements, college, struggling, low, scores, poor, performance

Abstract
This paper explains that college is nothing like high school, and students have no idea on what to expect from college. The author points out that homework, responsibility, and self-discipline take on entirely different meanings in college. The paper states that, "College is work", and the amount of work that is expected to be done outside of class is probably one of the biggest shocks to freshmen students.

From the Paper
"The classes operate on a different level than they do in high school. Professors expect students to complete their assignments without being told more than once. They generally pass out a syllabus, which informs the students of important dates. Students are not coddled through the essay-writing process and many professors do not make a habit of providing students with study questions. Students are expected to read material and do necessary research on their own, without being reminded. There is no one to hold their hand through this process and sometimes it takes good two or three failing grades for students to realize that college is not like a game."

Tags:work, responsibility, self-discipline, homework, major

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at research regarding Native-American dropouts from high school. The writer notes that the problems that arose in the process of locating young Native-Americans who had dropped out of school, helped the researchers come to terms with the kind of poverty and depressing environments in which these people lived. The writer concludes that as a nation, America took most of the Indian's lands away from them, placed them on reservations, and now the U.S. allows giant corporations to profit by exploiting and polluting the land the Indians count on for their survival. The writer maintains that this should be a topic in all high schools, especially Native-American high schools.

From the Paper
"In autumn, 1980, high dropout rates among Native-American students in a Montana high school district were so out of proportion with other school districts' dropout rates that a study was needed in order to come to grips with the problem. According to an article in the Journal of American Indian Education, about 60 percent of Native Americans were dropping out before finishing their high school careers. And 90 percent of the students were of Native-American ethnicity."
"In order to conduct what the district believed would be an "empirical" study of the problem, the district partnered with the University of Montana, which set up the research. The method used was to carefully examine the problem, develop instruments for the analysis, develop good techniques for interviewing, reach out to the dropouts and carefully assess the data resulting from the project."

Tags:poverty, students, Indian, crowded, classroom

Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of the problem of the rising dropout rate among minority middle school students. The paper explains that this can be caused by a number of factors that cultivate frustration and develop low self-esteem among minority adolescent students. Middle school students already struggle with self-image issues, but when the added pressure of factors such as low literacy skills, poverty within the home, early pregnancy and low regard for education are also introduced, these students become lost in the system and develop the desire to give up or dropout, thus eliminating their opportunity to break the cycle of poverty by becoming educated and obtaining higher-level, paying employment. The paper examines who can be involved in changing this cycle, including the educators, the parents, and the government.

From the Paper
"The educational sector is under pressure to meet the new federally mandated guidelines of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation. Early childhood education has previously been the focus of the national goal that every child will read by the time they complete third grade. Federal and local funding has been poured into primary grade programs and technology in order to meet this national goal. However, very little has been done to face the major problem of addressing the educational needs of minority middle school students to work at keeping them enrolled in school and not dropping out. This issue is important to address since over three million minority students in our nation's middle schools are in serious danger of being "left behind" (Alliance for Excellence Education, 2002). These young people live throughout the country and are the products of all income levels."

Tags:education, pregnancy, poverty, employment

Abstract
The paper reveals that there has been a significant increase in the number of high school dropouts in the last decade, especially in the seventeen to twenty-one age group, and looks at several alarming facts related to the increasing dropout rate. The paper considers the consequences of this situation and relates that dropouts will likely become a fiscal burden to the society as they enter adulthood. The paper looks at a number of preventative and remedial measures that can be taken, including a national re-enrollment campaign and preventative measures to ensure that fewer people drop out.

Outline:
Introduction and Overview
Consequences and Responses
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A further aspect to take into consideration in an assessment of the overall situation in the United States is that the dropout rates are not consistent and there are various factors that affect the rate in different areas and regions. A study sponsored the America's Promise Alliance and prepared by the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, states that there is a large difference the drop-out rates in major urban school districts and more affluent suburban districts. "Overall, high school graduation rates are 15 percentage points lower in urban schools as compared to those in the suburbs" (Grey, 2008). There are also differences in the dropout rates for various regions and cities. There are also large disparities in terms of ethnic groups. It has been found that Black and Hispanic students of both genders are more likely to drop out of high school than other groupings. Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League states that this "...dropout crisis is disproportionately affecting America's communities of color"('High school dropout crisis' continues in U.S., study says).
"However, despite the various differences and variables the affecting dropout rates, the consensus from many experts is that in general the increasing rate constitutes a serious crisis for education in the country as a whole. As a former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has said; "When more than 1 million students a year drop out of high school, it's more than a problem, it's a catastrophe" (Grey, 2008). This sentiment is echoed in many studies and reports."

Tags:minorities, re-enrollment

Abstract
This paper examines the ongoing problem in elementary and secondary educational forums of Hispanic students dropping out. It analyzes statistics and common reasons such as language problems and evaluates the different types of strategies at different levels which need to be implemented in order to provide incentives and motivations to school districts, individual teachers and indeed "at-risk" students. It shows how a new perspective must be developed so that educators can make an active effort to discover what motivates students that do not come from middle class American families.

From the Paper
"There is a contingent of people who believe that this tremendously high dropout rate is based on the fact that many of the dropouts did not develop appropriate language skills when they came to the U.S. This perception is emphatically wrong. A recent study of Texas dropouts concluded that eighty-five percent of all dropouts in that state were born in the United States. This particular figure indicates that the problem goes far beyond the skills provided in English as a Second Language courses."

Tags:education, schools, language

Abstract
This paper examines a problem that is only getting worse - the alarming rate at which Hispanic teenagers drop out of school. The paper focuses mainly on what causes this large drop out rate (poverty, low income, delinquency) and then suggests some solutions (alternative learning communities, social workers, etc.)

From the Paper
"A major problem in schools is the discrimination that is expressed in teachers' and schools' poor expectations of Hispanic students, and in the lack of encouragement for them to participate in extracurricular activities, which are proven to motivate students in the school setting. Placement of Hispanics in Alternative Schools, in Special Education, and in English as a Second Language programs, are often guided by prejudices, low expectations, and a misunderstanding of these students' situations. In-school discrimination is also expressed in the higher number of suspensions for Hispanics, even though Hispanics many times argued that they were provoked by white students using ethnic slurs. These suspensions cause these students to be labeled as "problem children," leading to stereotyping by other students, by teachers and by school authorities. This stereotyping marginalizes the Hispanic students and contributes to their ultimate dropout. (Duncan, 1997)"

Tags:crime, esl, illiteracy, public, school, social