Data on dropout patterns in New York City Public Schools are provided and analyzed in order to identify issues to be addressed and contribute to the establishment of standards and criteria for program development. Part I introduces the key questions to be asked. In Part II, the term dropout is defined according to State Education guidelines; the criteria for gauging high school and system-wide dropout rates are articulated; the structure of the school system is outlined; and procedures for dropout accounting are described. Part III lays out the findings in terms of: (1) the annual dropout percentage and projected four-year dropout rates; (2) a comparison of 1983-1984 and 1982-1983 dropout rates; (3) reasons for discharge; (4) a further examination of day high school dropouts; (5) all discharges from New York City schools; and (6) supplementary analyses on dropout rates among older students, the success of a retrieval plan for dropouts, figures for dropouts who re-enroll, and data on adult and continuing education students. Part IV draws together the conclusions. Three appendices present admission and discharge codes; figures for dropouts and graduates from academic, vocational, and alternative high schools; and a history of dropout accounting in New York City. (RDN)