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."
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."
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."
This paper discusses the importance of extracurricular activities for the healthy development of high school students and for preventing high school dropouts.
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."
Abstract This is an in-depth research paper on the cause and possible cures for the pressing problem of high dropout rates in secondary educational institutions for African-American males. The paper points out that the problem is not only one of economic disruption, but one of human misery as well. In order to help further the reader's understanding of the effect of secondary education on the dropout rate of African-American males, the paper begins with a look at the history of educational equality and then goes on to look at the effect that the high dropout rate of African- American males has on society in general. The paper also explores the reasons that these young men drop out and possible measures that can be taken to help prevent them from dropping out. Hypotheses regarding what can be done to increase graduation rates among African-American males are presented and conclusions are drawn regarding these hypotheses, based on the literature reviewed.
Table of Contents
Introduction and Statement of the Problem
History of Educational Equality
Reaping the Whirlwind of African American Male Educational Failure
Going Beyond What to Why
Reasons for Dropping Out
Hypotheses
Literature Review
Prevention Measures
Other Sources of Information
Methodology
Findings
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "It is impossible to ignore the high dropout rates for African-American males. Whether it is an effect of other societal shortcomings or a cause of some is also at issue; probably, it is both a cause and a result. The phenomenon appears to be allied with vestigial racial attitudes that 140 years without slavery and forty years of increasingly far-reaching equality legislation has been able to do little to ameliorate. Much work has been done regarding the specific causes of the problem; as yet, relatively little work has been done in testing the efficacy of various potential prevention tactics. However, new approaches making educational institutions the lead actor in a raft of 'holistic' interventions may be the prime area for future concentration of both study and effort by educational institutions."
Abstract The paper discusses how the American educational system is in dire straits and examines the article "Dropout Nation" by Nathan Thornburgh. The paper argues that the U.S. government lacks detailed action plans and maintains that there are varying interpretations and misinterpretations of dropout statistics. The paper asserts that by neglecting the so-called "silent epidemic," the country may be headed for a disaster wherein the nature's future will end up having more dropouts rather than a well-educated citizenry.
From the Paper "No matter whose statistics to believe in, the gist of it all is that there is a problem and the problem is here to stay - and unless somebody does something about it, it will not go away but may well increased. Although the Bush Administration came out with the No Child Left Behind program, it is still heavy in rhetoric but lack specific action plans like most political statements. This is evident when: "During his most recent State of the Union address, President George W. Bush promised more resources to help children stay in school, and Democrats promptly attacked him for lacking a specific plan. (Thornburgh, 2006)""
Abstract This paper presents a proposal on the effects of self-esteem on school perceptions, academic identification, and school dropout. The paper looks at the long term effects of school dropout and the effect of peers and the home on school self-esteem. The paper includes a quantitative data collection plan.
From the Paper "School dropout remains a problem with long-term effects on economic opportunities for the individual and society ..."
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."
Abstract This paper examines how, in 1989, a law was passed in West Virginia stating that any child younger than eighteen who drops out of school will not be allowed to have a driver's license. It explores how there are many different situations and circumstances that the individual could be involved in which could cause him or her to have to drop out of school, how, oftentimes, these situations are totally legitimate, how some situations are beyond help or control, and how no individual should be punished for responding to them.
From the Paper "The percent of poverty in the state of West Virginia in 1999 was 17.9% , that is 315,794 people out of 1,801,916 (MapStats). This is a huge number, and many of these people would need to send their children to work in order to help earn money. Some students must thus drop out in order to work and help provide for his or her family. The matter of getting a job instead of attending school is not only a matter of choice, or liberty, but it is also a matter of survival. In this situation, transportation is crucial. If these teenagers are old enough to work, then chances are they are old enough to drive. The job location may be too far to walk, and a license is necessary."
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 This paper explains that the objective of this research proposal is to study the effect of year round education on academic performance, attendance, cost, dropout rate and teacher perception and retention.The author points out that the method of research in this study is quantitative with a quasi-experimental design. The paper also relates that the independent variables in this study are whether the student is in the year-round education schedule or the traditional school.
Outline:
Problem Statement
General Problem
Need for Study
Specific Problem Proposed for Research
Introductory Words Describing Method and Research Design
General Population
Purpose of Study
Quantitative Quasi-Experimental Study, Research Variables that include Independent, Dependent, Etc.
Specific Population and Geographic Location
Significance of the Study
Importance of
Contribution of the Research
Significance of this Study to the Field of Leadership
The Knowledge This Research Adds to the Literature on Leadership in Schools
From the Paper "The school is reported to have had "both year round education and traditional education from 1998-2001." Hall County is located in the northern part of the state of Georgia on the 'urban fringe of the metro Atlanta area." Hall County has been assessed as doing "well in some areas, but could use improvements in other areas. Much opportunity and potential exists for enhancing the community's performance." The population of Hall County is steady and has been for several decades."
Abstract This six-page undergraduate paper discusses the high school dropout in terms of contributing factors. These factors reveal just how complex the problem of dropouts is. The thesis is underlined.
Abstract This paper examines how the majority of youth in the juvenile justice system is illiterate, preventing school success and contributing to delinquency. It looks at how these illiterate juveniles are at higher risk for high school expulsion or dropout, pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse, continued juvenile delinquency, and criminal conviction. It discusses how the government needs to address the behavioral and educational needs of these youths and how. by making a greater effort to understand their behavior and teach them how to read and writer, we can eventually reduce school dropout and delinquent behavior in the U.S.
From the Paper "The link between illiteracy and juvenile delinquency is one that goes way back. Michael S. Brunner, Visiting Research Fellow at the U.S. Department of Justice, reported that "the link between academic failure and delinquency is strong.... Schools are apparently contributing to the delinquency problem by continuing to provide traditional programming that... leaves many students, after six years of instruction, unable to read accurately, fluently and effortlessly with comprehension.... What brings about the delinquency is not the academic failure per se, but sustained frustration which results from continued failure to achieve selected academic goals (Citizens Commission on Human Rights, 2000)." "
Abstract This paper examines alternative educational resources for dropout, at- risk students in American public high schools. More specifically, the research focuses on the characteristics of programs that fail and the characteristics of those that succeed. The paper concludes that there is a serious need to address the problem of high school dropout rates.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Alternative Education
Examples Of Alternative Schools And Resources For At Risk Students
Conclusion
From the Paper "Some alternative schools are successful and some have struggled to differentiate themselves from public schools. The programs that are struggling to be successful have failed to adopt a curriculum that is geared toward the students that populate the school. On the other hand programs that have been successful have focused on fulfilling the needs of the students and gaining a better understanding of the obstacles that students face in their homes and in the environments in which they live. The research makes it apparent that an understanding of all these factors assists the alternative school in developing a curriculum and school environment that is conducive to learning. In doing so, these programs can successfully assist students in attaining high school diplomas."
From the Paper " Although Hispanic students have made important educational gains in the past two decades, their high school dropout rate remains a cause for concern. With the exception of Native Americans, Hispanic students have the highest dropout rate of any racial/ethnic group in the United States. The risk factors for dropping out of high school, e.g., poverty, limited English language proficiency, and work or family responsibilities, are all prevalent in the Hispanic population.
Hispanics in the United States are a diverse population group. The term "Hispanic" is generally applied to those whose origin or country of ancestry is Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain or the Spanish-speaking countries in South America, Central America, or the Caribbean. Also included in the term "Hispanic" are people of mixed Hispanic heritage. The major Hispanic subgroups.."
