Student attrition in the first grade of the eight public school districts serving New Orleans (Louisiana) and the River Region exceeded the statewide average for the school years 1983/84 through 1985/86 and black males are suffering severe, almost irreparable, damage to their academic potential. An analysis of enrollments, student failure, and attrition rates over the three-year period yields the following findings: (1) males and blacks are more likely than females and whites to fail; (2) the highest attrition rates occur in the Plaquemines (21.81 percent), St. Tammany (21.31 percent), and Orleans (20.30 percent) public school districts; (3) black males in St. Tammany are most at risk of failure; and (4) white females in St. Charles are least at risk of failure. The following recommendations are made: (1) mandatory prekindergarten and kindergarten are imperative to prepare students for first grade; (2) financial incentives and multiyear performance contracts are needed to recruit and reward high-quality teachers; (3) financial incentives are also needed to recruit and retain more black male teachers for preschool and first grade; (4) class sizes should be limited; (5) teacher aides should be provided; and (6) parent participation programs should be developed. Five tables of statistical data are appended. (FMW)