The International Observatory on Academic Achievement - Documentary search

File number :
CS-DSC-03e

Bibliographic reference :
Baker, J.A., Derrer, R.D., Davis, S.M., Dinklage-Travis, H.E., Linder, D.S., & Nicholson, M.D. (2001). The Flip Side of the Coin: Understanding the School’s Contribution to Dropout and Completion. School Psychology Quarterly, 16(4), 406-426.

Abstract :

Authors’ Objectives
The authors of this American article, concerned with the high rate of school dropouts in the United States, wondered what role various components of the school environment play in this complex issue. Using transactional, structural and ecological perspectives, the authors performed a quick review of the literature pertaining to predictive factors of school dropout, while concentrating more on school-related factors.

Predictive Factors of School Dropout
The authors first affirmed that the organizational structure of educational institutions affects student motivation and their eventual engagement in their learning environment. For this study, the authors mainly focused on factors pertaining to school and class sizes, specialization of curriculum, transitions (e.g. from elementary to high school), school year calendar, grouping per ability, disciplinary practices, grade repetition and the quality/quantity of available physical resources. All these factors play a role in leading to school dropout. However, the authors did not exclude that individual and family factors may also play a role in the decision to drop out.

General Recommendations
The authors analysed school reform initiatives taken in an attempt to restructure the school environment, in order to promote and maximize academic achievement in high school students. They indicated that the most effective efforts should primarily take into account the necessary changes in the structure of the school environment and that these efforts should lie within complex interactions between students and their various environments (family, school, social).

Links :
This journal is also available in electronic format.

Key Words :
Predictive factors/predictors, School environment, Class dynamics, Student adaptation, School graduation, School contribution, Organizational theory, Transactional perspective, Structural perspective, Ecological perspective, School reforms, Interactions of individuals and their environment, Literature review, Secondary/High school

Monitored Countries :
United States