Dropout - Definition & Meaning

A Dropout, in the context of education, refers to a student who leaves school before completing a specific level of education, such as high school or college, without earning a diploma, certificate, or degree. Dropping out of school before completion can have long-term consequences for individuals' educational and economic prospects.

Key points about dropouts in education include:

Types of Dropouts: There are different types of dropouts, including high school dropouts (students who leave high school before graduation) and college dropouts (students who leave college before earning a degree).
Factors Contributing to Dropout: Dropping out can result from various factors, including academic struggles, personal or family issues, socioeconomic challenges, lack of engagement or motivation, and health-related issues.
Economic Consequences: Dropouts often face lower earning potential and reduced access to job opportunities compared to individuals with a high school diploma or higher education credentials.
Social and Health Impacts: Dropping out of school can also be associated with negative social and health outcomes, including a higher risk of unemployment, poverty, and involvement in criminal activities.
Educational Attainment: Dropout rates are a critical indicator of educational attainment and can impact a region's workforce and economic development.
Prevention and Intervention: Educational institutions and communities implement dropout prevention and intervention programs to identify at-risk students and provide support to keep them engaged in learning.
Re-Engagement: Efforts to re-engage dropouts often include adult education programs, GED (General Educational Development) preparation, and alternative education options to help individuals complete their education.
Data and Reporting: Dropout rates are tracked and reported by educational institutions and government agencies to monitor educational outcomes and identify areas for improvement.

Other Terms Starting With D

Deferred in College

Deferred admission, or being deferred in college admissions, refers to a situation where an applicant's application for admission to a college or university is neither accepted nor rejected immediately.

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment, also known as concurrent enrollment or dual credit, refers to a program that allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits that count towards both their high school diploma and future college degree.

Direct Instruction

Direct instruction is a teaching method that involves explicit and systematic instructional strategies to deliver content and guide student learning.

Diagnostic Assessment

A diagnostic assessment is an evaluation conducted at the beginning of a learning experience or instructional program to assess students' prior knowledge, skills, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Dean

A dean is an administrative position within an educational institution, typically found in colleges or universities.

Discourse Community

A discourse community refers to a group of people who share a common interest or professional field and communicate with one another using specialized language, knowledge, and conventions.

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy refers to the ability to use digital technologies and tools effectively and responsibly to access, evaluate, create, and communicate information.

Distance Learning

Distance learning, also known as online learning or e-learning, refers to an educational approach that enables students to access educational content and instruction remotely, often through digital technologies and the internet.