Other important factors associated with engaging in multiple risk behaviors are the use of alcohol and marijuana at an early age. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are often considered gateway drugs to other substance abuse because they are more easily accessible. Teens who smoke or drink, often find peer groups to reinforce their smoking and drinking and introduce them to other more dangerous drugs like cocaine as they mature. The study sampled over 2,000 students from 53 randomly selected North Carolina middle schools. Students were asked to rate on a Health Risk Behavior Scale the number of risk behaviors they had participated in from a list of 16 different behaviors.
Males account for approximately two-thirds of all students served in special education.
The greatest numbers are in the learning disability and emotional disturbance categories. Fifty-five percent of students with emotional disturbances do not graduate, a number far higher than for special education. Female disabled students are doing better scholastically than their male counterparts, but the results do not carry over into the workplace once they leave school. The females are less likely to enroll in postsecondary education or training. Statistics in Brief, March 1999.