Gifted dropouts refers to gifted students who drop out of high school despite their potential to succeed academically in school in comparison to the general student population. There are no good estimates of the number of gifted dropouts because of the differing definitions of giftedness and limited comprehensive longitudinal studies done with this population. Though no reliable estimates of the number of gifted dropouts exist, the often-cited Marland Report suggests that nearly 18 percent of gifted students are gifted dropouts. Variables that predict dropping out, reasons for leaving school, characteristics of gifted dropouts, and recommendations for alleviating this problem are highlighted in this entry.

Gifted dropouts are a heterogeneous group; however, there are some similar variables that help to identify this group. Some of the variables ...