This monograph examines the causes of student disruption and proposes some practical solutions, based on the work of Maryland's 1975 Task Force on Educational Programs for Distruptive Youth. Primary purpose of the Maryland task force was to identify appropriate programs for young people who cannot function in the contemporary school setting. To determine the magnitude and nature of disruptive student behaviors, the Task Force analyzed questionnaire data supplied by administrators from schools enrolling 75 percent of Maryland's grades 7-12 students. Based on this analysis, the task force recommended five basic types of programs, including 1) a continuum of alternatives and services for students with problems, 2) human relations training for all segments of the school population, 3) expanded counseling services, 4) community diagnostic/treatment centers, and 5) specialized teacher training. Much of the monograph discusses these five programs, including the assumptions upon which each program is based and the rationale for its adoption. The appendix summarizes responses to the task forces' statewide administrator survey. (JG)