Harwin L. Voss

Some Types of High School Dropouts

AbstractDropouts are not a homogeneous category, and the evidence indicates that many dropouts are capable of doing satisfactory work in high school. While some dropouts have limited intellectual ability, earn poor grades, are retarded in their grade placement, and are poor readers, many other dropouts do not face these particular problems.Many of the apparent contradictions in the findings concerning dropouts can be resolved by distinguishing between early and late dropouts. Students with limited ability generally leave school early; capable dropouts tend to remain in school longer. Comprehension of the diverse data concerning dropouts requires specification of three types: 1) involuntary dropouts, 2) retarded dropouts, and 3) capable dropouts.

Vietnam Military Service and Marijuana Use

The effect of military service in Vietnam on drug use among veterans is examined on the basis of data obtained from a nationwide random sample of 2,510 young men. It is generally believed that illicit drug use was more extensive in Vietnam in the 1970s than in earlier years of the conflict. Therefore variables were constructed to reflect location of service (United States; overseas, but not Vietnam; and Vietnam) and the time of service (before 1970; 1970 or later). The results of the analysis indicate that: military service in Vietnam had no significant effect on marijuana use while on active duty, service in 1970 or later had a significant positive effect on during service use while in the service, and location of military service and time of service had a significant interactive effect on rates of marijuana use after discharge from military service. The interaction of service in Vietnam and military service after 1970 has the strongest effect on the veterans marijuana use in civilian life.