SDDAP addresses the school dropout problem in the U.S
Agodini and Dynarski (p 182) primarily conduct data analysis to determine the possibility of propensity-score methods replicating experimental methods in getting impacts of services programs. Data is obtained from the School Dropout Demonstration Assistance Program (SDDAP) as well as the National Education Longitudinal Study (NLES). SDDAP addresses the school dropout problem in the U.S. with a target on middle- and high school students. An experimental design was used to evaluate SDDAP targeted programs whereas a comparison design was used to evaluate SDDAP restructuring programs. For the experimental design, randomly assigned (to either a treatment or a control group) students were assessed. In the comparison design, the treatment groups were assigned to 16 SDDAP targeted programs in a random manner. Baseline evaluations were done and follow-up was conducted (two follow-ups for one cohort and one follow-up for the other cohort) and data was collected using detailed questionnaires as well as data from school records.
