This article develops a high school value-added model (VAM) of school dropout behaviour. After presenting the Ministry of Education’s value-added indicators, we lay the theoretical foundations for a VAM indicator specific to school dropout, as one does not yet exist. Our study then tests the validity of this model using administrative data relating to 187 high schools in the district of Grenoble. The results show that this model provides reliable predictions of dropout behaviour, and also offers value-added indicators that are independent of the social or academic composition of high schools. This new VAM can be used to assess high schools’ effectiveness in their fight against dropping out, thus guiding schools’ decision-making processes.
- secondary school
- dropout
- effectiveness
- process indicator