Factors Behind Gifted Dropouts: a Meta-analytical Review of Literature

Are gifted students at risk? Is the old school of thought that suggests "because gifted, these students will make it on their own" a myth? Giftedness is a phenomenon that has been researched since early 1900s. This study sought to obtain comprehensive information about gifted high school dropouts and to examine factors that are related to gifted students' dropout behavior as well as the factors of their underachievement. A total of 58 data sources were obtained. Sixteen of these had sufficient data to be coded which yielded to 21 independent samples and 1025 identified subjects. After a thorough examination of these studies, this meta-analysis answered three questions regarding to (1) reasons for leaving school, (2) roles of gender and race, and (3) factors affecting underachievement. This book should help shed some light on the controversial research findings, and should be especially useful to parents, students, professionals such as teachers, researchers, and administrators or anyone else who may seek information on gifted students, being at risk, underachievement and dropping out.