The Spatial Dynamics of High School Dropout: The Case of Rural Louisiana

This study uses data from the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a spatial analysis of high school dropout. The paper suggests school-level factors influence dropout rates not only within their schools, but also more widely across schools in close proximity. These claims are tested in two distinct ways: (1) by comparing spatial cluster maps of dropout to measures of school processes, effectiveness, and structure and (2) by conducting spatial regression analysis to test whether spatial influences remain after considering school-level predictors of dropout. The findings show school processes, effectiveness, and structure all influence dropout rates. Moreover, findings demonstrate spatial patterns in rural high school dropout in Louisiana, suggesting the mechanisms driving dropout extend beyond the school level. These mechanisms may be related to rural labor market structures. Future research should focus more specifically on the link between shifting rural labor markets and high school outcome