Listed below are the common variables found in the research that identify potential dropouts:

• Poor attendance
• Low grade point average
• Low standardized test composite scores
• Number of grade retentions
• Number of discipline referrals
• Educational level of parent
• Special program placement
• Free/reduced lunch program
• Number of school moves (transfers)
• Low reading and math scores
• Ethnic/gender distinctions
• Language spoken in the home
• Number of suspensions
• Interest in school
• Participation in extracurricular activities
• Pregnancy/teen parent
• Number of counseling referrals
• Family status (single parent family, family size)

Reference

Wells, S., Bechard, S., and Hamby, J.V. (1989). How to Identify At-Risk Students. Clemson, SC: National Dropout Prevention Center.