Dropouts and Dropout Programs: Implications for Special Education

With the goal of achieving a better understanding of the nature of the dropout problem for students in special education, this review focuses first on the literature related to the dropout phenomenon in general education. The issues addressed are (a) consequences of dropping out, (b) definitions of dropouts and calculations of dropout rates, (c) characteristics of general education dropouts and their schools, and (d) intervention programs directed toward general education dropouts. The review further examines the literature on students in special education who drop out of school, including (a) overall dropout rates and rates by handicapping conditions, (b) characteristics of dropouts who have received special education services, and (c) outcomes for school dropouts. The paper concludes by discussing implications for research and service programs that can address the dropout problem in special education.