Dropping out of school: early identification of risk factors

This study was designed to identify the characteristics of youth at risk who drop out of the mainstream school system, and to locate the main variables distinguishing between adolescents at risk and those not at risk. A questionnaire was completed by a sample of 282 at-risk adolescents and 217 non-at-risk high school students. Hierarchical logistic regression indicated that a small number of variables can correctly predict the group association of 88.5% of the participants in each group. This suggests that if the research questionnaire were to be administered in a mainstream school, it could identify adolescents who carry the risk profile characteristic of atrisk youth while they are still enrolled in school. The strongest predictors of dropout risk were deviant behavior, insecure attachment, and temporary school suspensions. Protective factors included higher SES, secure attachment, and communication with a significant adult. Such early identification could be followed by appropriate interventions to help prevent identified adolescents from dropping out of school.