Factors associated with dropout rates in public secondary education in Minas Gerais

Abstract

This paper's aim was to identify the main factors influencing secondary education dropout. The data are based on a historical series developed by the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) and a large survey conducted in Minas Gerais, Brazil, which collected diverse information from 3,418 interviewees (including students and dropouts). Cox proportional hazards regression models were estimated to identify potential correlations between intra and extra-school factors and early dropout. Another model used PNAD database, for which a Logit model was estimated, to verify non-dropout rates in high schools in Minas Gerais. Some significant factors are highlighted in the results explaining dropout, such as: difficulties faced with subjects, desire for a different school, perception of better job opportunities if studies are completed, and importance assigned to school choice.