In late 1986, the United States Department of Education contracted with Pelavin Associates to conduct a study of the dropout problem in the United States. The research project was undertaken to provide a national overview of the dimensions of the dropout problem, focusing specifically on gender differences; and to identify successful or effective strategies for serving dropout-prone youth and school dropouts. The research was conducted in two phases. The first phase consisted of a research review conducted to assess the national dimensions of the dropout problem, identify successful strategies, and choose individual dropout programs for greater study through site visits. The second phase consisted of site visits to nine dropout prevention and recovery programs that appeared to be relatively effective in reducing the incidence of school dropouts. The findings are reported in three volumes. This document, volume I, presents a national overview of the dropout problem and differences in the dropout problem among young men and women. It discusses the magnitude of the dropout problem, the characteristics of male and female dropouts, the reasons different students drop out of school, and the consequences of dropping out for male and female youth. Eighteen tables, six figures, and a bibliography are included. (NB)