Donna Brian wrote:
<<I think we often assume that our adult learners failed at 
high school and that's why they dropped out.>>

Having just completed some focus groups on barriers to youth employment in
Canada's Arctic region (Nunavut, to be precise), I was introduced to the
notion of students being "pulled out", rather than having "dropped out".  It
may be particular to that culture and setting, but I'm willing to bet it's
not unique. Family circumstances require the young adults in the household
to be on-site at home, and not at school. Again, this may have nothing to do
with their performance in the school system. 

Just another thought to consider.

Havi Echenberg
Consultant, Social Policy Café