Abstract
D.Ed. (Psychology of Education)
The problem of high dropout rate or early school leaving is causing widespread concern
amongst educators. This study is undertaken as part of a group project on school
dropout or premature school leaving, which is undertaken by the Rand Afrikaans
University of South Africa (RAU) and the Ben Gurion University of Israel. The purpose
of this project is to identify the at-risk pupil, research the causes of school dropout, and
identify the consequences of early school leaving in order to determine preventative
measures.
The following 4 factors have been studied in the profile of the school dropoutsocio-
econornic factors
social support
political factors; and
issues relating to the school itself
In South Africa the high dropout rate in Black schools especially is a cause for concern.
Under the new educational system, desegregation of schools is the ideal. This will,
however, probably not be achieved overnight, and the problem of school dropout in
Black schools will remain a problem for some time to come. Even if desegregation has
been fully achieved, it can be argued that certain causes of dropout will always remain
the same because not all causes are school-related. The cultural and home situation of
potential dropouts will not necessarily improve on account oftheir being in desegregated
schools. The focus of this study, therefore, will remain relevant.