This guide for educational decision-makers presents the major themes and recommendations of 27 reports published between 1985 and 1989 on the problems of at-risk students. It comprises an overview of recommendations from all the reports, abstracts of individual reports, and a 27-item bibliography. The following recommendations concerning the young child (ages 0 through 9) are outlined: (1) prenatal risk factors can be reduced by providing health care, nutritional guidance, and parenting education for pregnant adolescents; (2) birth is the optimal time to make a diagnosis of the infant's health care needs and the family's ability to meet those needs, and to respond with follow-up health care and parenting education; (3) the ability of families to meet the needs of preschool children varies and families may require day care, parent education, social service outreach, and early childhood education; and (4) the condition and support of the family are important components of children's early school success (preschool, kindergarten, and first grade), requiring high-quality school-based early childhood programs, careful monitoring of student progress, parent participation, and support services for children and families. Recommendations concerning the middle learning years (ages 10-14) are outlined for the following areas: (1) school reform or restructuring of all the elements of middle school education; (2) developmentally appropriate curricula and instruction; (3) adequate resources, facilities, and staff; (4) ongoing evaluation; (5) school-based decision making; and (6) partnerships. Recommendations for the high school years are outlined for the following: (1) administrative vision and leadership; (2) provision of special programs; and (3) revision in current schooling practice. (FMW)