An at-risk profile instrument was developed for identification and service delivery for high risk students to identify students in a timely manner so that intervention could occur on a proactive, rather than reactive, basis; and to assist school district personnel to implement, monitor, and modify programmatic and staffing patterns to best meet the needs of the at-risk population. Focus was on developing a flexible profile instrument that would be useful given the dynamic nature of the school setting, since even identification of salient risk factors prevalent during a given period may not remain consistent. The descriptive study focused on 240 seventh graders and 240 eighth graders in 1987-88, 300 seventh graders and 300 eighth graders in 1988-89, 300 seventh graders and 300 eighth graders in 1989-90, and 369 seventh graders and 330 eighth graders in 1990-91 as part of a longitudinal evaluation of an at-risk program in a South Texas school district with large high school dropout rates and a largely Spanish-speaking Mexican American student population. Data collected using the at-risk profile chart yielded three characteristics as most prominent (economic status, limited English proficient status, and extracurricular participation). Findings highlight specific social and academic program needs for these students. Eleven charts and three bar graphs provide data about the study population. Three appendices contain a data collection form, the rating scale criteria, and four tables of findings by grade. A 15-item list of references is included. (SLD)