An evaluation of a high school dropout prevention program

Abstract

A primary preventive, community-based program designed to facilitate high school transition and reduce dropout and an evaluation of the program are described. Participants in the study were 154 ninth-grade, predominantly Hispanic, inner-city students. Students were assessed on midyear and end of 9th-grade academic achievement, grade averages, course failures, absences, class cutting, class rank, number of counseling referrals, and leave rate. Control group students were found to exhibit significantly higher Iowa Math Test Scores compared to experimental students. Significant time effects were found indicating experimental and control students' decreases in grades and overall class rank, and increases in course failures, absenteeism, and class cutting. Limitations of the study are discussed based on the program's comparison to the similar, yet effective, project conducted by Felner, Ginter, and Primavera (1982).