California's alternative education options for youth vulnerable to dropping out of school have been established at different historical points and for different student age and target populations. For purposes of this brief, "alternative school" is defined as belonging to one of six legislatively authorized types of public (non-charter)…

The histories of two alternative programs are compared. Considered a main factor in one program's success is a high level of administrative support; among problems causing the demise of the other are failure to involve the developing committee in the program's implementation and changing the program's emphasis and the students targeted. (MJL)

Twelve major areas (e.g., student outcomes, cost, entrance procedures) that require attention when evaluating a nontraditional degree program are identified. Priorities are suggested in terms of their long-term, overall importance in a complete evaluation plan and their immediate or short-term importance in the early stages of program…