Studied the motivation of 60 black urban male tenth-graders, half achievers and half with lower achievement scores. Results suggest that if potential achievers are to be turned into achievers, teachers must focus on activities designed to foster intrinsic motivation. Techniques for working with low-income minority youth are outlined. (SLD)

Examines Colorado's Second Chance Pilot Program for Dropouts, designed to reduce the number of dropouts through Second Chance Centers giving students the opportunity to complete requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Although limited in success, the program provides a model for the funding of alternative schools. (SLD)

Studied the instructional and interpersonal factors that led a group of 17- to 19-year-old students (urban, rural, and suburban) at risk to persist in school rather than drop out. Interviews with 18 students, 13 compensatory education teachers, and 9 guidance counselors show the importance of caring relationships and personalized instruction in a…

Reports on a survey completed by 454 members of the National Dropout Prevention Network about whether school reform is serving at-risk students. Nearly three-fourths of respondents thought that restructuring programs in their communities are not effectively changing the schools to meet the needs of students in at-risk situations. (SLD)

Studied how differences in race, gender, and academic ability affected students' use of computers and attitudes toward computers. Results with 73 suburban fifth graders show that computer technologies were less available to students who did not do well with traditional approaches, in spite of the interest traditionally disadvantaged students…

Explores a creative middle-school structure that provides a block of about two hours in the school day when one teacher has a group of students engaged in a variety of interdisciplinary activities. The concepts of learning circles and group-dependent projects are discussed. The core of the proposed middle school is constructivism. (SLD)

Studied perceptions of at-risk students in elementary, middle, and high school who were academically successful. Findings from 62 students from urban, suburban, and rural Virginia show the personality characteristics, dispositions, and beliefs that promoted academic success, regardless of background. Internal locus of control and a strong sense of…

Discusses seven of the most common myths and misconceptions about students at risk, and argues that the Goals 2000 educational reform movement could result in negative consequences for this group unless policymakers and practitioners develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of this population. (SLD)

Explores the concept of full-service schools for students at risk, identifying five specific obstacles or cautions that are especially important to consider when full-service schools are being developed. Such schools require understanding of the collaboration process and willingness to make major commitments in time and resources. (SLD)

Defines and discusses at-risk readers, and reviews assessments of student classroom performance. Strategies that have been successful with at-risk readers in the elementary classroom are discussed, including dramatization, parallel drama, semantic guides, word images, connecting reading and writing, and media-intervention. (SLD)

Complacency on the part of teachers tends to foster complacency toward learning in students at risk. Teachers will not promote active learning if teacher educators rely solely on lecture methods. Effective teaching for at-risk students depends on effective teacher education. (SLD)