The 2008 Leaders Emerging Issues Program brought together a bipartisan group of state legislative leaders with experts in education and public policy to explore potential solutions to the nation's dropout crisis. Participants explored the basic elements of a comprehensive education system that meets the needs of all students, especially those at risk of dropping out. Legislators discussed the importance of: (1) high, rigorous standards and quality assessments; (2) use of longitudinal data to identify early warning indicators among at-risk students and to track student progress throughout K-12 and across other state agencies; (3) Need to provide comprehensive support for students as they move throughout the education system; and (4) alternative education options needed for students who have already dropped out. The report summarizes information shared during the meeting and focuses on key issues and successful strategies for making improvements at the state level.