Rural High School Dropout: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

This study explored some of the characteristics of a group of 39 students (10 females, 29 males) identified as having left school before graduation in a rural public school district over the last 5 yr. These students were matched with a control group for sex and number of years in school. Cumulative record files were used and 11 different variables examined. Variables distinguishing the two groups were identified and discussed, and suggestions were made as to how these variables could be used to identify potential dropouts. Some comparisons were made of present results and current conceptualizations about school dropouts. Finally, some implications for preventing dropouts were discussed.