The purpose of the study was to define factors associated with high (16% or more) and low (15% or less) rates of attrition of ethnic minority students in vocational education programs. Six functional areas of school operations were studied: teacher characteristics, teaching techniques, total school environment, supportive services, organization, and parent and community participation. Course profile sheets mailed to school districts identified programs having substantial enrollments of black, American Indian, Asian, and Spanish surname students and provided pertinent baseline data. A sample of programs in the 31 cooperating districts was evaluated by a questionnaire survey of teachers, currently enrolled students, and students who had dropped out. In 20 of the districts, followup site visits were made. Findings of the study were based on analysis of responses from 62 teachers and 205 students. Developed from results of the study and subjective impressions from the site visits, the model delineates 20 elements in the school environment which should be considered in improving programs for minority students. Recommendations include the need for a meaningful structure within an open, friendly, total atmosphere. Appended are a bibliography, project correspondence, course profile form, questionnaires, and site visitation checklist. (Author/RG)