This document is the first in a series of guides designed to help school district leaders address one of the toughest challenges in American education: dropout rates of 30 percent nationwide, 50 percent in many big cities, and 60 percent or more in the lowest-performing schools. It describes in abbreviated form how district leaders and decisionmakers can: (1) pinpoint how students are progressing and which students, by name, are most likely to struggle in school and drop out; (2) introduce some high-leverage strategies to get students back on track for a diploma; and (3) identify the mix of school choices and programs that will prepare more students for colleges and careers. (Lists 5 resources.) [For the related reports, see "This School Works for Me: Creating Choices to Boost Achievement. A Guide for Data Analysts" (ED515666); "This School Works for Me: Creating Choices to Boost Achievement. An Implementation Guide for School District Administrators" (ED515665); and "Supplement to This School Works for Me: Creating Choices to Boost Achievement. A Guide for Data Analysts" (ED515667).]