Research and statistical data in this study identify factors that are correlated with early identification of potential dropout students. Chapter 1, the introduction, explains the study's focus: school areas that propagate attendance problems, family educational levels, social deviance, and academic achievement. One hundred students who had dropped out from a West Virginia county's three secondary schools over a 3-year period were compared to a control sample comprised of 50 of the schools' 1983-84 graduates. "Review of Research," chapter 2, analyzes previous research on common patterns in early detection. Chapter 3, "Organization of the Study," provides an overview of school performances in early detection factors. "Analysis of Research," chapter 4, presents data and charts that correlate factors with attendance. The final chapter summarizes study findings. Dropouts are absent from school more frequently and have lower test scores in reading, mathematics, and social studies than graduates. Dropouts' families have lower educational levels and parents usually are employed in unskilled areas or unemployed. Dropouts deal with the judicial system as juveniles and adults more often than do graduates. Early detection factors are interrelated; each factor alone does not necessarily predict dropping out, but a combination of factors increases the chances. Recommendations are that schools adopt preventive measures and implement specialized programs. (CJH)