This literature review compiled a survey of Australian research related to identification of students at risk and school-related programs which respond to these risks. Thus, two major components of this report are titled "Student Retention and Risk Factors" and "Programs for Students at Risk." Students at risk were defined as those who left before completing Year 12. In part I, coverage of references on retention is followed by a description of risk factors and ways in which they are associated with or causally related to early school leaving and under-achievement. References to literature on retention are considered in relation to the individual student, the family, the school, and society. The relationship of risk factors to educational outcomes, and ways potential early leavers are identified are discussed. Part II focuses on school-based programs. Attention focuses generally on students at risk, but reference is made to particular risk factors and certain groups. It concludes with a discussion of characteristics of successful programs. Part III draws together threads of the review in terms of key issues in educational provision for students at risk that have emerged from the literature. (JBJ)