The Impact of Dropout Prevention Programs

The impacts of dropout prevention programs are usually assessed using experimental methods since the outcomes are based on similar characteristics from randomly assigned treatment and control groups. Non-experimental methods are however necessary in some situations and therefore it is worth determining whether propensity-score methods can replicate the impacts of experimental designs. This study compares outcomes of experimental designs with those of propensity-score matching using secondary data analysis from School Dropout Demonstration Assistance Program (SDDAP) as well as the National Education Longitudinal Study (NLES). Propensity-score methods are identified as ineffective in replicating experimental impacts of school dropout programs.