Gender and Spatial Variation in Longitudinal Trajectories of Middle School Completion Rate in Ghana

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Women, Gender Gaps, and Education

Abstract

Completion of middle school is an important milestone in every Ghanaian child’s educational trajectory. Yet, middle school completion rate lags behind educational indicators in Ghana. The level of investment in enrollment far overshadows the apathetic attention to school completion. Research in Ghana is generally silent on the school completion challenges and related gender and spatial disparities. This study helps fill the research gap by using multilevel growth curve modeling, spatial hotspot analysis, and longitudinal data to offer insights into, (a) the trajectories of middle school completion, and (b) the gender and spatial nuances. Findings show that the school completion rate is steadily improving Findings also reveal gender and spatial disparities. We discuss way to bridge the gender and spatial gaps.

Authors

• David Ansong, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Mustapha Alhassan, Clark Atlanta University