This article attempts to refocus special education upon the child and away from the "least restrictive alternative" continuum, through proposing the adoption of an array of equally acceptable educational options which might include mainstreaming for part of the day, resource room instruction, and outreach teacher consultation and summer programs…

The paper examines state policies relevant to current alternative educational environments in each state's continuum of services for handicapped children. The analysis resulted from a review of information about program models in state special education regulations and state annual program plans. State descriptions of available program models fit…