The Nexus Between School-Wide Risk Factors and Dropout Rates

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether or not a relationship exists between school- wide risk factors and dropout rates in Alabama public high schools. The population identified for inclusion in this study consisted of 355 Alabama public high schools. The study involved the use of quantitative research methodologies and utilized only existing data. All data were collected and analyzed with the school as the unit of analysis. Using descriptive statistical methods, numerical data were analyzed to obtain frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations. In addition, correlations were determined between school risk factors and dropout rates in selected schools. Factor analysis and multiple regressions were run on selected variables.