ic subgroups varied widely. According to a recent government study, Central Americans had the highest rate (36 percent), followed by Mexicans (34 percent), Puerto Ricans and Dominicans (both 26 percent), Cubans (14 percent), South Americans (12 percent), and (19 percent) for those classified as "other" (U.S. General Accounting, 1994). Dropout rates were lower for native-born Hispanics than for their foreign born counterparts. About 64 percent of Hispanic dropouts were born outside the United States. In addition, the risk for dropping out is greater for recent arrivals, partly because of their lack of English proficiency. Lack of English speaking ability is not limited to recent arrivals, however; about 40 percent of all Hispanic dropouts reportedly spoke English "not well" or "not at all" (U.S. General Accounting, 1994, p. 15).
Gender differences are evident in high school dropout rates. Of the 1.15 million Hispanic dropouts, 59 percent were male. One gender-related risk factor is the presence of a dropout's own children in the home, or marriage. Female Hispanic dropouts are more likely to be married than male Hispanic dropouts (48 percent versus 25 percent). About 66 percent of the female dropouts age 16 and 17 had one or more children: "Young Hispanic females who had married and given birth had an avera
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