NCJ Number
121849
Date Published
1986
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Based on national surveys and the relevant literature, this report provides an overview of the number of school dropouts, factors relating to youth dropping out and factors in their returning to school, the labor market consequences of dropping out, and selected programs of assistance to dropouts.
Abstract
For the last decade, the rate of school dropouts for youth aged 16-24 has remained approximately 13-14 percent. Research findings have generally shown much higher dropout rates for Hispanics, blacks, and economically and educationally disadvantaged youth. Other predictors of dropping out are being 2 or more years behind grade level, being pregnant, and coming from a home where the father dropped out of school. During the first several years after youth drop out, approximately 50 percent return to school or enroll in General Education Development programs. Labor market opportunities, as measured by employment and earnings, are poor for youth who have not completed high school and are worse for blacks than for whites. The literature has not identified what is effective in preventing youth from dropping out of school or encouraging their return. 2 tables, 11 figures.