Factors associated with high school dropout rates: perceptions and experiences of stakeholders

Abstract

The objective of this research was to know the factors associated with school dropout in Upper Secondary Education, through an exploratory study carried out with dropout students from the Technological Agricultural High School Center (CBTa) No. 138, in the municipality of Villa Hidalgo, Zacatecas, Mexico. A semi-structured interview was conducted with three young dropouts from the institution, who were in their first and/or third semesters of high school, as well as with one of the institution's highly experienced teachers. The results indicate that student dropout rates were primarily due to their families' socioeconomic background, as well as academic factors related to apathy toward studying and cumulative subject failures, coupled with parents' lack of interest in their children's academic performance. The conclusions drawn emphasize social, economic, and academic aspects as important factors in a student's academic journey, highlighting the need to strengthen the care of vulnerable students and to establish effective mentoring relationships through strategies such as tutoring to prevent dropouts.