Graduation & Dropout
Students with disabilities graduate from high school at significantly lower rates than their non-disabled peers. The national average graduation rates for:
All Students
Students with Disabilities
(Civic Enterprises & Everyone Graduates Center, 2015; DePaoli et al, 2016).
Young adults with disabilities who are also from culturally and linguistically diverse families often fare even worse (Grady & Bost, 2014)
Dropping out of school is typically a process that begins as early as elementary school (Ensminger & Slusarcick, 1992), and there are strong predictors of dropping out that can be identified by the end of 6th grade (Balfanz & Herzog, 2005; 2006).
There are an increasing number of effective, research-based, and promising practices and strategies to improve these statistics. The resources provided here are reviewed and organized to help you make a difference with the students and youth you work with.
Early warning intervention systems, tools for data collection and use, culturally responsive and course recovery practices, as well as many other school completion resources for a variety of audiences are included.
What's New
2020 OSEP Part B Indicator Analysis
March 22, 2022MOVE: A Mentoring and Self-Determination Initiative for African American Males with Disabilities
October 21, 2021Key Resources
- Locating and Re-Engaging Secondary Students with Disabilities
- Graduation and Dropout Rate Calculator
- School Completion Toolkit
- Transition Gradebook
- Core Data Tools for Dropout Prevention
- Status of State Defined Alternate Diplomas in 2018-19
- Decreasing Dropout Rates for Minority Male Youth with Disabilities from Culturally and Ethnically Diverse Backgrounds
- Literature Map of Dropout Prevention Interventions for Students with Disabilities
- Reentry Programs for Out-of-School Youth with Disabilities
- Risk Calculator Tool to Assess & Address Dropout
Related Topics
Training: Strategies for School Completion
Data show that students with disabilities drop out at a higher rate than students without disabilities. Resources and effective strategies and interventions for these students are available. Explore the training: Strategies for School CompletionInteragency Collaboration
Best practices for interagency collaboration to increase opportunities for competitive, integrated employment for students and youth with disabilities. More about interagency collaboration.