Appalachian Special Education Students Dropping Out of School: Looking at the Whos and Whys

Abstract

Although the literature suggests there is a high rate of dropping out of school even among students receiving special education, there is a paucity of research dealing with circumstances surrounding the special education student who leaves school prematurely. This study investigated the characteristics, reasons, and unmet school needs of students with disabilities who have dropped out of school in seventeen southern Appalachian counties. Data were collected on 135 student dropouts by polling those teachers who reported having dropouts. Results indicated that the average dropout was a 16 year old white male who was entering the ninth grade and who had not previously been employed. Future dropout prevention programs for this population therefore should begin before high school, be geared toward white males, and include instruction in the world of work.