The dropout problem in the nation, in the Council of the Great City Schools (GCS) school districts, and in the central cities is reviewed. Annual, single-year, four-year, and status dropout rates are examined. During the decade from 1982 to 1992, the gap in dropout rate between Whites and other ethnic groups has narrowed. The majority of the GCS districts experienced a decline in their annual dropout rates between 1988-89 and 1990-91, and central city youth have actually made gains in high school graduation rates. In 1992, 66.5 percent of central city youth were high school graduates compared to 62.5 percent in 1990. In 1990-91, 36.9 percent of GCS graduates were African American compared to 42.1 percent of the total elementary and secondary enrollment. White students were 28.7 percent of graduates and 25.0 percent of total students; Hispanic Americans made up 22.6 percent of graduates and 26.5 percent of enrollment. In contrast, Asian Americans made up only 5.9 percent of the K through 12 enrollment, yet represented 10.8 percent of graduates. Urban school districts have made some progress in addressing the dropout problem, although far too many students still dropout. Ten graphs present dropout statistics. (Contains 10 references.) (SLD)