This report provides information about current research on at-risk students and describes the development of an at-risk program in an Oregon school district. After a preface and introduction, chapter 1 reviews current literature on students who are considered at risk of school failure. Issues explored include (1) student characteristics, (2) school characteristics, (3) a practical perspective on at-risk youth, (4) effective practices in secondary programs, and (5) incomplete guidelines for prevention at the elementary level. Chapter 2 looks at the development of Springfield's districtwide at-risk program, providing an overview of the district's philosophy and components of development. These include (1) support for prevention in the early years, (2) inservice activities, (3) needs assessment, (4) teacher cadres, (5) training materials for teachers, and (6) problems getting started. Chapter 3 describes the range of plans and activities being developed at the elementary level, utilizing interviews with a principal and a third-grade teacher to gain insight into various perspectives. Chapter 4 examines Project Excellence--a middle-school intervention program--and prevention programs at the high school level in the district. Included are 20 references, 3 tables, and a listing of interviews. (WTH)