In the late 1960's, educators and researchers became concerned with the dropout problem in large urban school districts. In Philadelphia, the Division of Pupil Personnel and Counseling (PPC) is responsible for collection of this data and reports this information to the state. The process has been computerized to cope with the large volume of data. The PPC file has become the basis for annual dropout reports. Four general categories of dropouts have been defined. A survey questionnaire was also developed which indicated differential patterns of dropping out by race, sex and grade, and also shows that many dropouts continue their education on a part-time basis or through the GED program. There has been an overall decline in the dropout rate over the last five years, although the majority of dropouts leave school because they are over-aged. The survey reveals differences in official records and personal reasons for leaving, however. Each time the study is conducted, 50% report unemployment, suggesting that new approaches are required to solve problems of unskilled teenage employment. The appendix includes dropout statistical tables and status surveys. (Author/BEF)