NCJ Number
114913
Journal
Youth and Society Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 123-147
Date Published
1988
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study applies multiple regression analysis to assess the impact of socially structured opportunities (e.g., unemployment rates, wage average, and postsecondary education opportunities) on high school students' likelihood of dropping out or being graduated using 1984-1985 data for Florida's 67 school districts.
Abstract
Of 20 independent variables in the regression analysis, only 3 -- average job wage, average unemployment rate, and percentage black population -- have statistically significant regression coefficients. These three variables account for 25 percent of the variation in high school completion rates. Consistent with the view that post-high school economic prospects have a substantial impact on students' decisions to stay in school or drop out, completion rates were positively related to average unemployment rate and negatively related to average wage rate. Interaction effects suggest that black students may be even more responsive than white students to economic prospects. Results suggest that students' educational decision to dropout or complete schooling are determined, at least in part, by their evaluations of their social and economic environment. 6 tables and 47 references.