Analyzing the Factors Behind School Dropout

A Comprehensive Perspective on Reintegrating Out-of-School Children—Challenges, Root Causes, and Strategies for Effective Governance

Abstract

The initiative to ensure universal education for school-age children began in 1943 (1322 in the Iranian calendar) with the enactment of the “Law on Compulsory and Free Public Education.” Today, the enrollment rate, particularly at the primary level, has reached approximately 98 percent.

However, the complete fulfillment of the policy goals to eradicate illiteracy and prevent school dropout among school-age children remains a major challenge for the country’s education system. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose the issue, identify the root causes of school dropout, examine related challenges, and reconsider policies, laws, regulations, programs, and governance mechanisms to effectively address this phenomenon.

Causes of School Dropout in Iran

School dropout in Iran results from complex social, economic, and cultural factors, varying across educational levels.

1. Social and Cultural Beliefs: Misguided attitudes, especially toward girls’ education, early marriage, and negative perceptions of co-education contribute significantly, particularly in secondary school.
2. Family Issues: Children from single-parent, dysfunctional, or high-risk families face higher dropout risks due to irregular attendance.
3. Health Challenges: Chronic or serious illnesses prevent regular school attendance, accounting for a notable portion of dropouts.
4. Geographical and Infrastructure Barriers: Distance, commuting costs, and weak school infrastructure in rural, nomadic, and suburban areas increase dropout rates.
5. Delayed Enrollment and Child Development: Physical or mental challenges and parental preference for late enrollment also contribute to early dropout statistics.

Governance Ecosystem of School Dropout

School dropout is a complex issue requiring coordination across multiple stakeholders.

• Ministry of Interior: Addresses social and migration-related causes.
• Ministry of Labour & Welfare: Supports low-income families and provides vocational education.
• Supportive Institutions: Help at-risk children and refer illiterate children to schools.

Together, they form a governance ecosystem to prevent dropout.

Governance Challenges in the Ecosystem of School Dropout

1. Weakness in Integrated Governance of School Dropout.
2. Statistical Complexity and Challenges in Calculating School Dropout Rates.
3. Lack of Flexibility in Curricula to Accommodate Out-of-School Children.

Policy and Legislative Recommendations for Reintegrating Out-of-School Children

• Implement an integrated system to identify and support out-of-school children.
• Provide healthcare, insurance, and legal support for at-risk children.
• Make primary to lower secondary education compulsory and adapt curricula and regulations for reintegration.
• All agencies must follow a national plan to ensure full coverage and reduce dropout.

This study is conducted at Islamic Parliament Research Center Of The Islamic Republic Of IRAN By Hamid TarifiHosseini in 2025.

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