Top Ten Factors that Contribute to Dropping Out of School

Submitted by Lisa Bowman Perrott, University of Kansas

1. Excessive absences
2. Grade retention, especially being retained more than once
3. A pattern of disciplinary problems
4. Poor and/or failing grades
5. Reading below grade level
6. Frequent mobility - moving from school to school
7. School disengagement, that develops over time
8. Absence of a caring and involved adult to encourage academic success
9. Association with peers who encourage problem behaviors
10. Not getting along with teachers