Student Dropout From The Perspectives Of Junior High Counselors In Northeast Mississippi

I investigated fifteen junior high counselors\u27 understandings about student dropout, particularly about identification of and interventions for students at risk for dropping out of school. As an educator, I desired to research the phenomenon of student dropout to understand how to better reach these types of students. Research is available concerning student dropout from the perspectives of teachers, principals, and student dropouts; however, little research on student dropout from the viewpoint of counselors exists. I utilized a qualitative design, in particular a descriptive case study, to develop understanding of the counselors\u27 perspectives of student dropout. Data collection included individual and focus group interviews, both through face-to-face and email; demographic surveys; and field notes recorded in a research journal. I utilized the constant comparison method to analyze my data and make connections among the conversations. The following four themes emerged after thoroughly analyzing my data and searching for commonalities: (a) it\u27s like a cycle, (b) there\u27s only so much we can do, (c) effective interventions are essential, and (d) dropout is more of a high school problem. After the discussion of my findings, I offer the following implications for future research: (a) creating K-12 alignment of dropout prevention, (b) understanding parental support, and (c) defining counselors\u27 position in dropout prevention

Separability criterion and inseparable mixed states with positive partial transposition

It is shown that any separable state on Hilbert space ${\cal H}={\cal H}_1\otimes{\cal H}_2$, can be written as a convex combination of N pure product states with $N\leq (dim{\cal H})^2$. Then a new separability criterion for mixed states in terms of range of density matrix is obtained. It is used in construction of inseparable mixed states with positive partial transposition in the case of $3\times 3$ and $2\times 4$ systems. The states represent an entanglement which is hidden in a more subtle way than it has been known so far.Comment: It is improved and extended version of the former manuscript, in particular the theorem concerning finite decomposition of separable states has been included, 14 pages, RevTe