This study analyzes NELS:88 data from a dropout sample of students who were enrolled in the eighth grade in 1988 but who were not enrolled in school in 1990. The data for this analysis were collected in Spring 1990 to examine reasons for dropping out and plans for dropouts to resume their education. In both areas, differences were found on race-ethnicity and gender. Concerning reasons for dropping out, a larger percentage of white and Hispanic dropouts cited school-related factors as a cause than did African Americans; African American dropouts cited suspension and expulsion more often than any other group. A significantly larger percentage of male than female dropouts cited job-related factors; females cited family-related reasons more often than did white females. The overwhelming majority of dropouts did have plans for resuming their education, but these plans differed by race-ethnicity and gender. Both male and female white dropouts more frequently planned to take equivalency tests; Hispanic adolescents favored attending alternative high schools, and African American adolescents more often planned to return to a regular high school to earn their diplomas. Six tables. (Contains 18 references.) (Author/BJ)