This volume contains a comprehensive review and analysis of existing Australian research on early school leaving behavior, focusing on girls. Part One gives an overview of school leavers, and data on general trends are considered. Observable trends in school leaving statistics are examined from antecedents through the school leaving decision to the consequences of dropping out. Part Two consists of four chapters which review national and regional studies of school leaving and early school leaving. The final section presents a summary of findings and offers a number of major recommendations. In addition, a postscript provides information on important studies which are still in progress and data which were not available for inclusion in this review. This report highlights the significance of the female early leaver syndrome as a national concern and identifies its relationship to deep-rooted social perceptions. (Author/NRB)