The National Education Association's "Operation Rescue" employs a two-tiered approach to combating the dropout rate: the first approach is research and information sharing, the second is to facilitate direct action at the local level through a grants program to fund dropout prevention programs in the schools. In order to focus Operation Rescue for greatest effectiveness, dropout prevention programs in operation were surveyed and classified, and information exchanges were held in four cities, with over 300 participants, including representatives from 15 national organizations. Resulting from the information exchanges is a publication, "A Blueprint for Success," that sets forth principles that bring into focus issues, attitudes, and concerns essential for planning and implementing a successful dropout prevention program. Sixteen grants totaling approximately $450,000 have been awarded to teachers across the country. All the programs are designed on the local level, have strong educational components, and build collaborative networks with other service agencies. (MLF)