The epidemiological approach, as elaborated to accomodate multiple-causation of chronic disease, is suggested as appropriate for the size and the nature of the failure-to-learn problem faced by educators. The epidemiological approach begins with an examination of the health status of an area's population. Major problems are identified with respect to location, geography, age, race, sex, income status, educational level and other variables. The next step is to seek out services and programs likely to be most efficacious in remediating the problems of high risk groups. Finally, follow-up research to measure the effectiveness of interventions is planned and implemented. (Author/RH)