This competency-based secondary learning guide on assisting at-risk populations (dropouts and homeless people) is part of a series that are adaptations of guides developed for adult consumer and homemaking education programs. The guides provide students with experiences that help them learn to do the following: make decisions; use creative approaches to solve problems; establish personal goals; communicate effectively; and apply management skills to situations faced as an individual, family member, student, and worker. Each learning guide includes the following sections: a general introduction and guidelines for using the material; a checklist for users for advance planning; introduction to the guide; specified competencies, with student outcomes/evaluations, definitions, key ideas, teacher strategies/methods, suggested student activities, sample assessments, and supplementary resources. The following competencies are addressed in the dropout section: analyze reasons for dropping out of school, identify constructive ways to reinforce self-esteem, and identify sources of assistance for achieving personal goals. Seventeen supplements contain information and activity sheets on the following: dropout characteristics, reasons for dropping out, self-esteem, psychological needs, confidence, understanding others, and dropout agencies. A bibliography contains 23 items. The homeless section addresses these competencies: explain the circumstances contributing to homelessness; identify problems resulting from homelessness and possible solutions; describe ways homeless persons may seek to satisfy their human needs; and determine available sources of help for individuals and families facing homelessness. Twelve supplements contain information and activity sheets on the following: housing crises, spouse/partner abuse, poverty, satisfying human needs, empathy, and government sources of help. A bibliography contains 28 items. (MN)