Grade repetition according to male and female students of public high schools in Ribeirão das Neves, Brazil

The objective of this study is to investigate, using focus groups, aspects related to the life of public high school students of Ribeirão das Neves, Brazil, that may have an influence on their school performance . We will build on the findings of a previous study that applied multivariate logistic regression models to identify factors associated with grade repetition among junior high school students. In that study, we used data from 2009 Pesquisa Jovem (Youth Survey) and Censo Escolar (School Census). Overall, the results showed important differences by gender. Females who had left school until the 8th grade were more likely to repeat in high school. Males who had repeated until 8th grade or experienced violence at school were more likely to go through grade repetition in high school. Having no religion was a protective factor against grade repetition for males, whereas for females being Mainline Protestant was protective. What else matters in terms of grade repetition? What is the role of the family? Are state investments in schools and teachers important? What can be done to reduce or even mitigate this important problem in Brazil? The qualitative research to be carried out in 2013 will help us answer those questions.