Abstract:
This study investigates the causes and consequences of dropping out ofhigh school using data obtained from the National EducationLongitudinal Study 1988-2000.
Duration modelling techniques are used toestimate the determinants of dropping out.
A flexible piecewise-linearbaseline hazard is estimated, controlling for unobserved heterogeneity.The hazard function rises steadily during the first three years of highschool and then increases substantially in the final year.
Theconditional probability of dropping out is estimated separately formales and females. Labour market outcomes are investigated for dropouts eight years after the end of high school. Comparisons are made betweenunqualified dropouts and dropouts who subsequently obtain