The text emphasizes that the negative consequences of dropping out include higher susceptibility to unemployment, lower earnings, increased crime, more welfare clients, increased numbers of illiterates, and a high rate of unwed mothers. It notes that schools need to recognize that they are not effective for some youth and that solutions must include the combined efforts of teachers, parents, students, and the community. Recommended actions include recognizing and responding to a variety of learning styles, having minority representation among faculty and administrators; involving parents in the school; and developing programs that use the talents of administrators, teachers, and parents. Other recommendations are to train teachers in crisis intervention, stress management, and student anger control; to establish mentoring programs; and to interest business and industry in adopting a school. Index and 33 references