Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - D4110183
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED341723 AUTHOR:
TITLE: National Dropout Statistics Field Test Evaluation.
Statistical Analysis Report. Contractor Report.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1992
NOTE: 222 p.
ABSTRACT: In 1988, a National Dropout Statistics Task Force
(comprised of representatives from 27 states, 3 U.S.
territories, and the District of Columbia) was created to
work with the National Center for Education Statistics
(NCES) to develop procedures for uniform counting of
dropouts and dropout rate reporting. A standard definition
was constructed for "dropout," and three alternatives for
dropout rate definitions were considered, dividing
full-year dropout counts by: (1) initial fall membership;
(2) spring membership plus fall-to-spring dropouts; and (3)
following fall membership plus fall-to-fall dropouts. A
field test involving 26 states, the District of Columbia,
and 2 outlying areas was conducted to determine whether
these definitions could be consistently and uniformly
applied. Data submitted during fall 1989, spring 1990, and
fall 1990 provided memberships by race, ethnic category,
and sex for students in grades 7 through 12. All
participating areas (ranging from a high of 232 to a low of
223 districts) responded to surveys about practices
affecting dropout rates. Data for 187 districts supported
the analyses. Focus was on data for 456 transfer and 192
dropout cases. Only negligible differences were found among
the three alternatives. Data show a clear increase in
dropout rates from about 1% in grade 7 to about 6% in
grades 10, 11, and 12, with a typical synthetic cohort
dropout rate for grades 7 through 12 of 23%. Accuracy of
dropout rates was generally good, and states agreed on the
necessity of consistent reporting and valid dropout
statistics. Twelve figures and 28 tables are provided.
Seven appendixes present the surveys used, site visit
guides, a school leaver status validation form, a tracker's
guide, and an additional six tables. (SLD)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Academic-Persistence; Definitions-;
Dropout Research; Enrollment-; Evaluation-Methods; Research
Methodology; School-Holding-Power; Secondary-Education;
Student-Attrition
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Data-Collection; *Dropouts-;
*Field-Tests; *National-Surveys; *School-Statistics;
*Secondary-School Students
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