Some Types of High School Dropouts

Dropouts are not a homogeneous category, and the evidence indicates that many dropouts are capable of doing satisfactory work in high school. While some dropouts have limited intellectual ability, earn poor grades, are retarded in their grade placement, and are poor readers, many other dropouts do not face these particular problems.Many of the apparent contradictions in the findings concerning dropouts can be resolved by distinguishing between early and late dropouts. Students with limited ability generally leave school early; capable dropouts tend to remain in school longer. Comprehension of the diverse data concerning dropouts requires specification of three types: 1) involuntary dropouts, 2) retarded dropouts, and 3) capable dropouts.