This paper surveys the demographic, historical, and research issues related to alternative education; describes successful models for disruptive and at-risk youth; and suggests how local areas might achieve safety in their schools. Programs for disruptive youth are forecast to grow through the 1990s; approximately 35 percent of school districts presently have alternative school programs. Alternative placement addresses a variety of needs for many groups, including juvenile offenders and students of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who may simply require the individualized attention such schools provide. The report provides a list of alternative school classifications with the following major headings: (1) campus programs; (2) schools within schools; (3) intervention; (4) community programs; (5) correctional schools; and (6) separate facility schools. A resource guide briefly describes 20 successful alternative programs throughout the nation. The report concludes with a series of recommendations emphasizing that school district administrators must be committed to working cooperatively with community agencies and supportive of a comprehensive system of public school options. Appended are names and addresses of 21 organizations that promote alternative education, 5 pages of references, and 6 newspaper articles on alternative programs. (CJH)