This document reports on a study which examined the causes, manifestations, and prevention of the student dropout problem in Ontario's secondary schools. The methodology and analyses of the three-part study are briefly reviewed in the introduction. Data was gathered by means of focus group sessions plus a province-wide telephone survey using four questionnaires directed to: dropout/graduates; parents; teachers; and employers. The report opens with an overview which highlights the major findings of the three phases of research and makes recommendations based on these findings. The major part of the report consists of detailed findings from the quanitative phase of the study. Part One, a profile of the dropout, presents a demographic profile; ethnic and language data; perspectives on the dropout's family background; perspectives on the family's influence; and goals, aspirations, and value orientations. Part Two examines the dropout and the school system and contains sections on teachers; parents; school subjects; academic and performance evaluations of dropouts and graduates; school history; grade levels; early identification; program divisions; and attitudes about the school system. Part Three considers the issue of dropping out, looking at the year and grade of the dropout; the decision to leave school; reasons for leaving; teacher views; and the future after dropping out. Part Four presents information on the student who drops back into school after dropping out. Part Five considers ways to keep potential dropouts in school and looks at dropouts' own suggestions for changing the system. The appendix contains selected verbatim responses to study questions and the questionnaires used in the research. (NB)