EVALUATING A THEORETICAL-MODEL OF SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL USING A QUALITATIVE-ANALYSIS

Evidence has indicated that in order to improve their career options a nd quality of life, students should be encouraged to participate in po st-compulsory education. A theoretical model of post-compulsory school ing persistence and attrition was proposed and data obtained from ques tionnaires; and in-depth interviews were used to elaborate the finding s derived from a path analysis. The validated model can be a useful to ol for social workers, school counsellors and policy-makers to identif y potential school dropouts at critical stages and to promote discussi ons among students, parents and school personnel for the development o f effective intervention strategies.