Intended for teacher educators, educators working daily with at-risk students, and human services specialists, this book operates from the premises that: (1) at-risk children and adolescents deserve the attention of professionals; (2) at-risk conditions and behaviors can be identified and their effects assessed; (3) effective programs and interventions can address at-risk conditions and behaviors; and (4) at-risk children and adolescents need objective identification and assessment. Part 1 introduces the problems of at-risk learners and methods for identifying and assessing their problems. Part 2 takes a more detailed look at school and societal conditions, and personal at-risk characteristics and provides examples of successful programs addressing them. Part 3, "The School's Response," examines classroom procedures, alternative learning environments, parent and family involvement, and exemplary programs aimed at school and societal conditions. The book has suggested activities, case studies, and other features designed to help the reader. An appendix lists names and addresses of many resource organizations. (Contains 292 references.) (SLD)