This book explains how high school teachers and counselors can modify their schools' existing programs to create viable options for noncollege-bound students and help them regain control over their lives. Chapters 1-7 discuss the following topics: (1) rescuing a generation adrift; (2) recognizing the forces behind the "one way to win" mentality; (3) limited options for special populations; (4) questionable academic preparation; (5) winners and losers in the "one way to win" game; (6) the politics of average students; and (7) the high-skill/high-wage rationale. Chapters 8-10 detail a process for helping noncollege-bound high school graduates discover alternative "other ways to win" that include the following steps: (1) providing systematic career guidance for students and structured feedback for parents; (2) redesigning the high school academic curriculum; and (3) ensuring equal status and focused academics. Chapter 11 reviews the following strategies for bringing "average" students to excellence: challenging the "one way to win" paradigm; helping students and parents recognize that preparation for high-skill/high-wage jobs is another "way to win"; reaching out to parents; providing career development/guidance for all students; redesigning the academic prep program; and challenging the high school culture. Twenty-four tables/figures are included. (Contains 72 references.) (MN)