Nationwide Longitudinal Trends in Rates of Student Retention Using the Civil Rights Data Collection

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Nine
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Race Theory and Other Critical Theoretical Perspectives for Racial Justice (Table 7)

Abstract

The rate of student retention in public schools has consistently fallen since 2000. However, retention rates for Black and Hispanic students have remained high when compared to their White peers (Wright, 2021). This paper uses data from the Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) to explore national trends in retention across grade levels, student race/ethnicities, and differing school types and characteristics as defined by the CRDC. After defining retention and its identified impacts on student outcomes, we will use our findings to support a theoretical framework showing that rates of retention can be linked to systemic inequities. Further, this paper aims to provide insight into potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of retention nationally.

Authors

• Andrew R. Johnson, University of Delaware
  Presenting Author

• Sarah Meholick, Applied Engineering Management Corporation
  Presenting Author

• Marshal Fettro, Applied Engineering Management Corporation
  Presenting Author

• Lauren E Jetty, Applied Engineering Management Corporation
  Presenting Author

• Venessa A. Keesler, Launch Michigan
  Presenting Author

• Clover Quigley, Quality Information Partners
  Presenting Author