The perception of Primary and Secondary School teachers about the variables that influence Early School Leaving

Abstract

Early School Leaving is a problem that worries countries around the world. This is because it directly affects both the lives of students who abandon and society in general. The objective of the present study is to know the perception that Primary Education, Compulsory Secondary Education and Upper Secondary Education teachers have on the most influential variables that affect Early School Leaving. The research carried out follows a survey methodology, by administering a questionnaire with 85 variables identified in the scientific literature. 134 responses were obtained from teachers throughout Spain. The results indicate that the variables considered more related to Early School Leaving are those related to individual and family characteristics. To a lesser extent, the school activity of the individual as a student, the attitude of the faculty, the behaviour of the classmates and the characteristics of the school are considered related. We conclude that we are facing a phenomenon of complex causes that should not be approached exclusively from an academic perspective but multidisciplinary.