The factors that contribute to student dropouts have been the focus of extensive deliberation during the last decade. Despite expanded attention, the number of dropouts remains unacceptably high. Drawing on the authors' 17-year history of dropout research in Texas, Arizona, and across the country, this article describes the alarming dropout rates,…

This report addresses the scope of Arizona's dropout problem and strategies for changing the situation. An introduction examines the magnitude of the problem, who is dropping out and why, costs of dropping out, what works in combating high dropout rates, what Arizona citizens and leaders can do, and what steps should be taken to reduce the dropout…