This annotated bibliography, the first of a series of five reports of selected literature included in the ERIC system, three of which have been completed, carries a short review on the causes and characteristics of the school dropout, and of special groups of dropouts listed in the bibliography section. Approximately a third of the annotated list is devoted to general references, and the balance to special groups with the following breakdown: (1) rural; (2) American Indian (general, Sioux, and Johnson-O'Malley programs); (3) Alaskans; (4) Negroes; and, (5) female students. Many of the documents listed report programs, research projects, and evaluations of programs and projects. See "School Dropout Programs" and "The School Dropout and the World of Work" for related documents by the same editor. (RJ)