This report details the findings of a qualitative study designed to understand the processes of disengagement from school, and of early school leaving, from the point of view of 193 young people in Ontario who have themselves left school or are at risk of doing do. It also provides data on the process from the perspectives of groups of parents/guardians of early leavers, and of Ontario educators. This data fills a gap in the research and policy literature on the process as told from these unique perspectives.

Electronic reproduction.

Brief Overview -- Introduction -- Context -- Conceptual framework -- Objectives -- Research methods -- Research rigour -- Methodology: literature reviews -- Methodology: in-depth qualitative study -- Community consultations -- Youth Interviews and Parent/Educator Focus Groups -- Sampling and Recruitment -- Operational definitions -- Creating the research instruments -- The Interview process -- Data analyses -- Study results: I) Literature reviews -- Risk and protective factors associated with early school leaving -- Early school leaving prevention and intervention programs -- II) Youth interviews -- Pathways to Disengagement and Early Leaving -- Main Risk and Protective Factors for All Youth -- Youth Sub-Group Findings -- a) Gender b) Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered Youth c) Aboriginal Youth d) Youth in Rural Areas e) Francophone Youthf) First and Second Generation Immigrant Youth g) Visible Minority Youth h) Third Plus Generation Youth III) Parent/Guardian Focus Groups IV) Educator Focus Groups -- Summary and recommendations -- Policy and practice implications -- Bibliography -- Appendix A: Risk and Protective Factors -- Appendix B: Main Messages from Literature Reviews -- Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Early School Leaving -- Early School Leaving Prevention and Intervention Programs -- Appendix D: Detailed Sampling Rationale -- APPENDIX F: Operational Definitions -- Appendix G: Interviewer Training Package -- Appendix H: Focus Group Training Package -- Appendix I: Face Sheets for Youth -- Appendix J: Interview Schedule for Youth who have Left School Early -- Appendix K: Interview Schedule for Youth who are Still in School -- Appendix L: Interview Schedule for Youth who have Returned and Graduated -- Appendix M: Face Sheets for Parent/Guardian Focus Groups -- Appendix N: Interview Schedule for Parent/Guardian Focus Groups -- Appendix O: Face Sheets for Educator Focus Groups -- Appendix P: Interview Schedule for Educator Focus Groups -- Appendix Q: Codebook Draft #1 -- Appendix R: Final Codebook (Draft #16) -- Appendix T: French Language Code Book #15 -- Appendix U: Sample break down for youth interviews by site.