On the Hunt: Seeking a Measure of Perseverance in High School Dropouts Returning to School

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Twelve
  In Roundtable Session: Measure Development in Motivation Research (Table 12)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if tools used for measurements of Grit and Locus of Control could be used to identify perseverance in high school dropouts looking to re-engage in school. If such a tool could be used in this population, then application of early interventions might increase the number of students succeeding as they re-enter school and earn their high school diploma. However, the results show there was no significant correlation between either scale and perseverance in this group. Therefore, the urgent question still remains: If scales that work in other populations don’t apply to this academically vulnerable group, what methods can be used to identify students for early interventions?

Authors

• Deborah O'Brien, Gonzaga University
  Presenting Author

• Elaine Radmer, Gonzaga University
  Presenting Author