This practice-application digest addresses what vocational education can do to reduce the almost 30 percent dropout rate among U.S. students. The first section describes factors that place students at risk, focusing on factors included in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's definition of the term "at-risk." In the next section, the digest cites research that indicates vocational instruction compares favorably to the characteristics of nine model dropout prevention programs; however, vocational educators should motivate at-risk students by shifting their programs from a subject-focused to a career-focused curriculum. The document lists the set of characteristics shared by successful dropout prevention programs and describes two program models (the school-within-a-school program and the integrated learning environment). The key components of successful dropout prevention programs (development of administrative, community, family, and funding support and development of a program geared toward the special needs of at-risk students) and a citation for detailed recommendations in the literature are included. Recommendations for structuring classrooms offer practical advice on teaching style, curriculum, students' learning style, classroom organization and management, and evaluation and assessment. The document includes four references. (CML)