While southern States are attempting to provide academic and job training for high school dropouts whose earnings are below poverty level, a more effective solution would be to encourage high school completion and to assure the mastery of skills. Educational efforts are, therefore, now being focused on programs in elementary schools with the hope that benefits of the programs will be sustained at higher levels. Students presently attending secondary school take exit examinations in basic skills, but failure in these exams may encourage dropping out. Six suggestions are offered: (1) commitment to reform as an ongoing process; (2) mobilization of diverse agencies to work with students; (3) creation of alternative education programs; (4) development of comprehensive employability training; (5) initiation of clearly defined curriculum sequences which prepare students for employment or further study; and (6) special encouragement for black youths to complete high school and to enroll in post-secondary training or study. (VM)