The issues surrounding equity in education are complex and varied. Recently the focus has shifted to students at risk. This paper discusses four specific issues that have affected school learning for at-risk students over the last 50 years. Issue 1, equity and youth at risk, discusses the home and family life of at-risk students and its relationship to social and academic success. Issue 2, ability grouping and the problems of youth at risk, addresses the effects of homogeneous and heterogeneous grouping on at-risk students. Issue 3, educational opportunity for students at risk, discusses the importance of across-the-board equity in the education system's support structures. Issue 4, educational opportunity and financing schools, addresses the need for the adequate and fair distribution of resources and presents details on a number of cases involved with finance litigation since the 1970s. The paper concludes that true equity in education means that every person should have the kind of quality education that will best meet his or her needs as an individual and as a member of society. (Contains 24 references.) (WFA)