NCJ Number
149767
Journal
NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) Bulletin Volume: 75 Issue: 538 Dated: (November 1991) Pages: 67-72
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of a survey that solicited 85 middle-school and 93 high-school principals' views on the use and effectiveness of various strategies for helping students at risk of dropping out of school.
Abstract
The principals administered schools at 100 sites throughout the United States. Each principal was asked to indicate which of 30 strategies were used regularly and the effectiveness of each strategy. Effectiveness of the strategies was rated on a four-point scale from "not very effective" to "very effective." Eleven strategies at the middle level received a 75 percent or higher use, and seven strategies were at the 75 percent or higher use for the high school level. Overall, the 75 percent or more category provided several high percentages of strategy use, although effectiveness was not rated particularly high. Programs used frequently in middle schools with a relatively high percentage of effectiveness are parent notification, parent conferences, special education, and special teachers. Frequently used programs with low effectiveness ratings are retention in grade, summer school programs, and referral to a psychologist. Frequently used strategies in high schools with a relatively high degree of effectiveness are parent notification, parent conferences, special education, and vocational courses. Frequently used strategies in high schools with low effectiveness are referral to a psychologist and more time on basic skills. The authors recommend the use of combinations of strategies for at-risk students, based on individual needs. 2 tables