The purpose of this paper is to examine a single study participant and overall graduation rates as they relate to both the general education and special education population. As more federal requirements are defined, especially the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, along with individual state requirements, the overall graduation rate of both of these education populations need to examined and addressed. This qualitative case study will explore and define the lived experience of one, former, special education student with an identified specific learning disability. The former high school student was at one time making progress toward meeting all graduation requirements. Interviews with the participant, as well as information received from the student's family member and school personnel, who worked with the student, were recorded, transcribed, analyzed, and coded to develop an understanding of what led this student to leave school before earning a high school diploma. While results may not be able to be generalized to all similar situations, this study identified the reasons: that led this student to make the decision to drop out of high school, the family and school roles, and what might have helped this student persist in graduating. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]