Factors Affecting the Probability of School Dropout

Abstract

The permanent records of 562 female adolescents enrolled in school-based programs for pregnant and parenting students in Colorado during the 1984-1985 through 1986-1987 school years were reviewed. The study compared students who graduated with those students who dropped out. The findings indicated that "completers " were more likely to be (a) better students, (b) 16 years of age or older, (c) enrolled in vocational classes, (d) show improved grades once in the special program, (e) fail to show a dramatic drop in their academic performance between grades 7 and 8, and (f) less frequently enrolled in special education classes. Five variables were significant predictors of group membership, predicting group membership with 76% accuracy.