The purpose of this study was to enhance our understanding of teachers' and principals' experiences and views regarding the high dropout rate in Norwegian upper secondary schools.Our qualitative analysis, based on interviews with 28 teachers and 6 principals, showed that the teacher-student relationships over years had become more complicated since the implementation of a new educational reform in 1994, making the syllabus increasingly 2 theoretical and thus reducing the practical value for many students, especially those attending vocational programs. Limitations in students' knowledge and skills, engagement and academic interest, contributed to the creation of huge differences in academic levels within the class and thus reduced the quality of teaching. Also various other societal changes were identified as possible factors underlying the high dropout rate. Our findings suggest that better guidance regarding educational and careers choices, study program adapted to the student's own interests, and actively nurturing involvement may prevent dropout.