The analysis rests on the view that policies and practices that are hazardous to young adolescents' social and emotional growth and that undermine their ability to learn will place all students at risk. In contrast, when harmful practices are reformed and when features of successful schools are introduced, such schools can increase their holding power for students at risk and, by extension, for all students. The analysis focuses on curriculum and instruction, school size, teacher organization, scheduling, alternatives to retention in grade, alternatives to sorting and tracking practices, positive choices to improve student attendance, ways to improve school climate, alternatives to suspension, and issues regarding minority students. The recommendations emphasize the need for efforts by all segments of the school community at the school building level. Tables, appended checklist for dropout prevention, and chapter reference lists.