Presenters at this conference on teaching at-risk youth focused on the following topics: (1) effective teaching approaches to reach different types of learners; (2) improving the school-as-workplace through collaboration among and support of teachers; (3) successful teaching practice for at-risk students; (4) the cultural orientation of black youth and its influence on their school achievement; and (5) a blueprint for action by higher education to promote the success of disadvantaged youth. Also presented were a teacher's first hand view of a culturally diverse urban high school; a research-based proposal, recognizing teaching as a deeply intellectual activity, for strengthening teacher induction programs; and the mission of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards--and how concern for at-risk youth is part of that mission. Closely-linked themes were reiterated throughout: the need to redesign and restructure the nineteenth century model of schooling now relied upon; and the need for real respect for cultural and ethnic diversity in the curriculum and social organization of schools. (JD)