Discusses two key components in successful schools which should be applied to alternative schools for at-risk youth: keeping students from failing, and giving students warm, interpersonal support. Some successful strategies include individual curricula and evaluation, evaluation based on progress rather than normative grades, joint projects that…

Explains the context of the theme issue: the title is from Martin Gold's pioneering research on effective alternative schools for troubled students. The issue revolves around creating a learning atmosphere where no one is rejected, regardless of behavioral problems, and students can get the education they need. (JPS)

Presents Life Space Interview, effective intervention strategy for use during crisis work with troubled students, as it was applied to case of Andy, 14-year-old black male student who had been taunting low-functioning deaf student. Describes Andy's background, the incident itself, and the Life Space Interview. Concludes with instructional comments…

Education programs in institutions for young offenders often focus on the medical or deficit model of treatment. Youth are diagnosed, and then traditional content and methodology is administered in settings determined by structure and policy, and not the needs of the students. Suggests reclaiming the rich history of proactive prison education.…

Troubled children are often described solely in terms of their deficiencies, rather than in terms of their strengths. Educational efforts for these youth are therefore aimed at minimizing weaknesses rather than emphasizing potentials. By presenting troubled youth with tasks not engaging or worthwhile, their ideas of their own failure are…