Research on poor school performance--with emphasis on the nonwhite child--is discussed in terms of differences children bring to school, the school process, and consequences of poor school performance. Individual factors related to poor achievement are noted to include membership in a disadvantaged minority group, broken homes and absent fathers, and negative self image. Factors affecting the school process are reported as organization of the school, academic performance at school, relationships with peers and teachers, and problems of learning disabilities and nonremediation. Examined are such areas as poor achievement, lower self concept, conduct problems, and difficulties in relationships with peers and teachers which are influenced by poor school performance. Also reviewed is the relationship between school failures and decisions to terminate school, juvenile delinquency, use of alcohol and narcotics, aspirations, vocational planning, and suicide. It is concluded that to ameliorate many social and psychological problems, attention must be directed toward helping children perform more adequately in school. (SB)