Research and interviews with education professionals have identified the major risk factors associated with the decision to leave school: falling behind grade level, poor academic performance, repeated detentions and suspensions, adolescent pregnancy, undiagnosed learning disabilities and emotional problems, language disabilities, and the attractions of work. Some youths who have dropped out are likely to succeed in an alternative school program, a General Equivalency Diploma program, skills training, or other "second chance" programs. Others may require a long-term, multidimensional rehabilitative effort. Dropout prevention policies should begin in the early grades of elementary school and continue through high school. The prevention efforts should be combined into a comprehensive strategy that includes sustained collaboration between schools, other agencies, and the private sector.