The primary purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for identifying male students as potential high school dropouts for a school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia and to develop strategies to reduce the number of male dropouts. Factors identified as having a bearing on a student's likelihood of dropping out of school were determined through a review of the research literature. This study sought to produce findings useful to a practical school setting. Data were collected on the following characteristics, which were available in the student records of this large, suburban school division, to be utilized as predictor variables: (a) absences, (b) retentions, (c) grade point average, (d) socioeconomic status, (e) in-school suspension, (f) out-of-school suspension, and (g) ethnicity.

A stratified random sample of 288 male students was selected from those students enrolled in Grades 9-10 at the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year. The findings of the study indicated that potential male high school dropouts could be identified in this school division, excluding outliers, with over 86 % accuracy. The major predictor variables that consistently emerged as most predictive were years retained, grade point average, and socioeconomic status.

It was recommended that the model be implemented in this school division in an effort to identify and reduce the number of possible male high school dropouts. Additionally, it was recommended that identified strategies and appropriate interventions be instituted throughout this school division.