The last study, completed by Russell Rumberger at the University of California Santa Barbara, approaches the topic of high school dropout rates from two different frameworks. Unlike the previous studies, this study addresses the topic of dropouts both from the individual and from the institutional level. These levels are addressed through the two different frameworks. The first framework is based on individual perspective and focuses on the individual factors associated with dropping out such as student engagement, student achievement and student’s background. He shows us that each of these factors play a role in this dropout trend and demonstrates this to us through previously acquired data.

The second framework is from the institutional perspective. “While the first framework can provide a way to understand dropping out from an individual perspective, individual attitudes and behaviors are shaped by the institutional settings where people live.” He gives examples of institutional factors such as family factors, school factors and community and peer related factors. This second framework is more closely related to my research project than the latter because it focuses on the surrounding environmental and institutional such as family, school and community factors[3]. For example, He points out specifically “Research has consistently found that socioeconomic status, most commonly measured by parental education and income, is a powerful predictor of school achievement and dropout behavior.” He describes how each one of the factors connects with the dropout rate, but what he is missing is the large-scale correlation. In this study he states all of the many factors and their connections with this topic, but they have not run all of these factors together to see in fact how strong these correlations actually are. I would also critique this study in that in relation to today’s data it is almost 20 years old. Though this study was likely relevant around the time of its publication, there is a possibility that the data has shifted, causing it to be less accurate.

This research was particularly interesting because it pointed out not only the impact on the indviduals who dropped out but also the individuals effect on the economy as well. “dropouts cost the nation money in other ways as well. Research demonstrates that dropouts are also more likely to have health problems, engage in criminal activities, and become dependent on welfare and other government programs than high school graduates.” We tend to ignore the the outside effects that dropping out of high school has on society, but in fact it does effect much more than just the individual.

http://escholarship.org/uc/item/58p2c3wp#page-1