This report presents four studies summarizing results of Project SEARCH, which attempted to identify characteristics of children at risk, apply risk analysis procedures, and identify effective educational practices. The first study examined the presence or absence of risk factors in 25 first graders (and 10 controls) referred by their teachers to teacher assistance teams. Resulting profiles were examined to determine degree of risk for referral. The second study examined instructional arrangements in first grade and assessed their effects on academic responses of students (N=67) at risk for failure and controls (N=58). Several specific arrangements were shown to be associated with either accelerated or decelerated rates of at-risk and control students' active, academic, or inappropriate responses. The third study examined the role of dynamic assessment measures in models of individual differences with 193 first grade children. Limited support was found for use of dynamic assessment task prompts in the prediction of academic achievement. The fourth study addressed the ontogeny of school failure in 112 first grade children, 63 of whom were considered at risk. Six clusters were empirically derived with three profiles representing atypical patterns suggestive of learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, and language problems. Appendixes include: a curriculum and methods questionnaire, a 1988 Project Search Update, and a listing of dissemination papers and presentations. (136 references) (DB)