This report is concerned with students who either dropped out or were dismissed from grades 9 through 12 during 1983-84 in 14 school systems in Arkansas. It is intended for use by state government, the State Department of Education, state and local policymakers, school administrators and staffs, parents, and young people. The data presented in this report were obtained from questionnaires completed by schools for each student who dropped out, was suspended, or was expelled during 1983-84 and from interviews with over 200 of these students. In Part I of the report, the magnitude of the dropout problem is considered, demographic characteristics of the dropouts and selected characteristics of their families are examined, and reasons for withdrawals and exclusions are discussed. The two types of school departures, dropouts and dismissals, are compared. Findings are summarized and recommendations are suggested. Part II of the report deals with the role of alcohol and drugs in the dropout problem and is based on personal interviews with the students. Survey results are presented according to beliefs about community drug and alcohol problems, patterns of drug use, reasons for using drugs, drug information sources, and other related information. The relationship between the use of controlled substances and school dropouts and dismissals is discussed. Findings are summarized and recommendations are made. The appendices contain the Personal Interview Questionnaire and a sample of detailed suspension, expulsion, and attendance policies. (NRB)