Analyzing the determinants of dropout among specialized high school students using survival analysis

Purpose: This study investigates the prevalence of dropout among specialized high school students and identifies contributing factors to inform strategies for enhancing their persistence. Method: Using data from the Korean Education Longitudinal Study (2018-2021), covering students’ from first year of high school to the post-graduation phase, life table analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were conducterd as survival analysis methods to examine factors associated with academic interruption. Results: Dropout were primarily concentrated in the second and third years of high school. Academic self-concept and family-related self-concept were identified as significant factors. Higher family-related self-concept reduced dropout risk by 59.4%, and higher academic self-concept by 66.9%. Conclusion: The results underscore the need for personalized learning support, parent engagement programs to promote emotional support at home, and expanded community-based mentoring. Timely interventions should target periods when students are most vulnerable to drop out.