Guidelines designed to help individual communities achieve the second National Education Goal are offered in this document. The goal states that by the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90 percent. Eight suggestions for creating successful dropout prevention efforts are discussed: start early; set high expectations for all students; monitor student progress closely; personalize instruction; keep classes small; make educational experiences relevant; make schooling flexible; and provide help for nonacademic problems. Other characteristics of successful dropout prevention programs include creation of an "insider environment" for at-risk students, legitimate opportunities for success in that environment, at least one totally committed person, and support from school and community leaders. Nine community dropout prevention programs are described and five resource groups are listed. (Contains 18 references.) (LMI)