This book, one in a five-volume series dealing with perspectives in American education, discusses the need for, the role of, and current developments in alternatives in education. The series is intended to contribute to a better understanding of the educational process and the relation of education to human welfare. Chapter one provides an historical perspective of the role of alternatives in education. Chapter two discusses resistance to alternative programs and describes characteristics, purposes, and types of alternatives both inside and outside the public school system. The development of alternative schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the reasons for their success are examined in Chapter three. Contained in Chapter four are a discussion of programs that combine school and community learning and an examination of the societal and educational issues which have led to the development of these programs. The search for solutions for equal education in a pluralistic society, the right to learn, and the importance of choice education are discussed in chapters five, six, and seven. The book concludes with a discussion of current developments in educational alternatives. (Author/RM)