In an effort to determine variables related to Mexican American school dropouts' decisions to quit school and their orientations toward further educational attainment, personal interviews were conducted in 1967 with 74 Mexican American high school dropouts residing in 4 rural south Texas counties. The variables examined included (1) decision to become a dropout (reasons for leaving school, encouragement to stay in school, encouragement to return to school after leaving), and (2) orientations toward further education (aspirations, expectations, and attitudes toward re-entry into school under various conditions). It was found that poor grades and financial difficulties were major factors in the decision to leave school. While few respondents were encouraged to stay in school, three-fourths were advised by parents and friends to return to school after leaving. Most respondents desired high school diplomas; however, one-half of the boys and one-fourth of the girls did not expect to attain their goals. Most respondents were uncertain about expectations. It was recommended that dropouts be identified early, and that teachers, principals, and counselors make every attempt to encourage the potential dropout to remain in school. A major conclusion was that much needs to be done in developing educational programs to meet perceived needs of these students. (DA)