A National Survey of State Initiatives on Alternative Education

Abstract

Concerns over violence, vandalism, disruption, substance abuse, school failure, and dropout rates in the schools have resulted in an increased emphasis on alternative education. The purpose of this study was to examine the availability and nature of state legislative and policy mandates regarding alternative education. Among respondents, there was variability in state policy/legislative mandates and funding mechanisms, acceleration in alternative education activity, a commitment to providing technical assistance, limited state compliance-monitoring and program evaluation, and an emphasis on interagency collaboration and partnerships with the private sector. Implications for practice and further research are provided.