Dropping out of school is actually an array of problems, including pedagogical problems, emotional problems, socioeconomic problems. Since 1958, the percentage of fifth graders who do not complete high school has remained at 25 percent, indicating the lack of definitive solutions to this problem. The dropout problem will increasingly affect the American economy and its place in the world economy. Programs that appear to help prevent dropouts include work experience programs for at-risk students through the establishment of small programs that entail lots of personal contact, the use of computers for instructional management and student management, and coalition among schools, community organizations, business, employment-training organizations, and other groups. 47 reference notes.