The inadequacy of typical approaches for dealing with truancy and dropouts is argued, followed by an appeal for a communitywide effort to address the causes of these problems. Some of the causes are outlined, and steps for eliciting community involvement are detailed. After presenting possible role definitions for school attendance workers, the manual suggests ways to improve an at-risk child's self-esteem and motivation, to protect students' rights, and to identify school and community resources for countering truancy and dropouts. Guidance for the mounting of preventive programs and projects covers practical matters such as funding, setting goals, determining objectives, assessing positives and negatives, and deciding on specific activities. Appendixes contain a resource directory, additional information sources, and suggestions for parents and teachers. Glossary and subject index.