Giftedness and High School Dropouts - Neag Center for Gifted ...

1. An individual who, according to the school (if the sample member
could not be located), or according to the school and home, is not
attending school (i.e., has not been in school for 4 consecutive
weeks or more and is not absent due to accident or illness); or
2. A student who has been in school for less than 2 weeks after a
period in which he or she was classified as a dropout. (National
Center for Education Statistics, 1996, p. 112)
The variable that was used to define dropouts was "High School Completion
Status (f3diplom)." Category 4 was considered as a dropout.
1. High school graduate—if individual has received a high school
diploma
2. Received alternative credential—if individual has received a GED
or received a certificate of attendance
3. Still enrolled in high school—if individual is currently in high
school or is working toward an equivalent
4. Dropout—if individual is not a graduate or GED/certificate holder.
(National Center for Education Statistics, 1996, p. 115)
Method
Research Design
This study utilized data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988
(NELS:88), collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The
NELS:88 began in 1988 by collecting data on approximately 25,000 eighth graders
including data from their parents, teachers, and school administrators. These data were
then followed up at 2-year intervals in 1990, 1992, and 1994.
To address the research questions, two studies were conducted using two different
sources of data and samples. In Study 1, the Second Follow-up Dropout Questionnaire of
NELS:88 was analyzed to obtain specific information about gifted students who drop out
of school. Only students who had dropped out of school completed this questionnaire;
therefore, gifted and non-gifted students were compared. In Study 2, student
questionnaire data were analyzed to examine personal and educational factors related to
the decision by gifted students to drop out of school.
Samples for Study 1 and Study 2
The sample in this study is composed of the students who were eighth graders in
1988 and participated in the base year through the third follow-up survey of NELS:88.
The sample from Study 1 consists of dropouts who were not in an academic program
leading to a high school diploma, had not received a GED by the spring 1992, and
completed the Second Follow-up Dropout Questionnaire. In this study, gifted students
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