This report examines national and regional dropout rate trends; factors associated with dropping out; efforts these factors; and federal efforts to reduce dropout rates. Information came from interviews with National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) officials; review of NCES data and reports by dropout prevention experts; site visits at dropout prevention programs; evaluations of federally-funded programs; and interviews with state at-risk coordinators and officials from possible federal funding sources. National dropout rates changed little from 1990-2000, varying considerably between regions and ethnic groups. Factors influencing dropping out included family related factors and school experience factors. Many state, local, and private programs are available to help at-risk youth. States' support of dropout prevention activities vary considerably. The federal Dropout Prevention Demonstration Program specifically targets dropouts. Other federal programs have dropout prevention as one of many objectives. Recommendations include evaluating the quality of existing dropout prevention research and determining the most effective means of disseminating research results. Appendices include: data on the study; dropout and completion measures; federal programs that can be used for dropout prevention; high school completion rates, October 1998-2000; comments from the Department of Education; and General Accounting Office contacts and acknowledgements. (SM)