This monograph presents a synthesis of current concerns and information relative to at-risk children. The report summarizes and discusses major issues concerning contemporary definitions of "at risk," the history of concern over at-risk children, general factors and conditions involved in placing children at risk, and contemporary issues regarding this population. The report is divided into 12 sections. Sections I through III contain a preface, an executive summary, and an introduction. Section IV presents at-risk definitions. Section V provides a historical perspective. Section VI discusses forces and factors that place students at risk. Section VII examines programming for at-risk students. Section VIII explores the establishment of student at-risk programs at the local school level. Section IX discusses and examines implications of the following: (1) impact of changing demographics; (2) attitudes toward diversity; (3) value conflicts between student and school; (4) personnel preparation; (5) regular education-special education relationship; (6) future directions for research; (7) interface between school reform efforts and at-risk students; and (8) excellence versus equity. Section X offers new perspectives on the education of at-risk children and youth. Section XI contains 76 references and Section XII lists additional sources of information. (AF)