A study synthesized existing data and information on the characteristics of actual and potential dropouts and identified strategies and techniques employed in vocational programs in order to remedy basic skill deficiencies in these youths. During the study, a veriety of sources were examined, including school performance and job proficiency data, standardized test scores, various research studies, and research projects to address the skill needs of dropouts. Data from these sources revealed that the average performance of secondary vocational students on standardized basic skill measures is between the 35th and 40th percentile or about one-half a standard deviation unit below the average for all secondary students. The average performance of potential and actual secondary school dropouts is near the 25th percentile. Furthermore, the performance of dropouts in reading and math areas appears to be equally poor. It appears, however, that when potential and actual dropouts are afforded the opportunity to participate in vocationally oriented programs that have an integrated basic skills component, their basic skills attainment will usually increase substantially. Based on the study, recommendations were made calling for earlier certification of potential dropouts, for increased use of individualized instruction or materials, and for further research on the benefits and problems of innovative, flexible program delivery. (MN)