In this study, we explore how high schools, through their structures and organization, may influence students' decisions to stay in school or drop out. Traditional explanations for dropout behavior have focused on students' social background and academic behaviors. What high schools might do to push out or hold students has received less empirical…

Explored whether teachers and students were influenced by the size of the inner-city school to which they belonged. Data from almost 5,000 teachers and 23,000 sixth and eighth graders in Chicago show more positive attitudes of teachers in small schools and better learning for students. Suggests school size influences achievement through effects on…

Studied the relationship between social support for academic achievement and achievement in reading and mathematics over a school year using data from surveys of 30,000 sixth and seventh graders in Chicago. Results show social support to be modestly but positively related to learning, but both learning and the relationship between social support…

The frequency, severity, and consequences of sexual harassment in American secondary schools was studied using 1993 survey data of 1,203 students in grades 8-11 from 79 public schools. Overall, 83% of females and 60% of males reported they received unwanted sexual advances in school. (MAK)

Using data from the High School and Beyond study, researchers found that guidance counseling is not equally available to all public high school students. Minority students, students from families of low socioeconomic status, and students in rural areas are less likely to have access to adequate guidance counseling. (RB)

The process of choosing a scientific major was examined in a nationally representative sample of 2,592 male and female college students of above-average ability. Socioeconomic status, high school teacher and guidance counselor influences, family and personal life priorities, and attendance at a four-year college were predictive factors. (TJH)