This study concerns the identification, interpretation and interrelationship of factors which are germane to a student's perception of himself and his environment and upon which factors he bases his decision to drop out of school. The methodological format goes beyond mere quantification in an attempt to distil the quality of the dropout's human experience. A questionnaire was developed for eliciting candid responses from dropouts about themselves, their families and the public school. In addition, interviewers, equipped with cassette tape recorders, interviewed a random sample of 166 dropouts. Among the extensive results were: (1) pregnancy, overage and poverty accounted for the largest number of female dropouts; (2) overage and poverty were the reasons given by a majority of male dropouts; and (3) most boys had vocational goals. Additional counseling, more individual help from teachers, and a meaningful job training program are the changes most needed to reduce the number of dropouts. A tremendous need exists for creating a school environment in which all students are treated with compassion. Extensive data tables, and lengthy interviewee responses and questionnaire responses are included. The research reported herein was funded under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (TL)