A study of high school dropouts and programs in Appalachian regions of 13 states also sought exemplary programs and methods of replication. The high school dropout rate was found to be 5.8% higher than the national average of 23.9%. Within the region, rates were 19.1% in the northern, 38% in the central, and 30% in the southern region. Differences in collecting and reporting data were detailed with implications for the study. Data gathered on dropout characteristics included reasons for school-leaving, behavioral descriptions, and sex and racial differences. Approximately 23% of the Appalachian school districts reported having dropout reduction/remediation programs and provided program descriptions. Program efforts were reported to be limited by lack of resources and information about appropriate and effective approaches. Components judged to be most important in program success were identification of cause/need, planning based on cause/need, development of effectiveness measures, and development of a feedback system. Study recommendations included standardization of data collection procedures, improved availability of information about dropout programs, and increased research on exemplary dropout programs. Appendices provide dropout definitions, methods of data computation, and data for 13 states and a list of dropout programs by location and type; 14 tables amplify the text. A 46-item annotated bibliography is included. (LFL)