This report highlights findings from the 1998 Minnesota Student Survey, administered to 3,791 voluntary participants, comparing students in alternative school settings with those in public schools. Alternative schools and area learning centers are high school diploma granting programs designed for students who are behind in their work, have dropped out of traditional programs, or need assistance with problems. Alternative school students were matched with randomly selected adolescents of the same gender and age. Comparison data is detailed in different sections of the report. Sections include information on the youth in the following areas: families and environment; psychological distress factors; sexual activity; school perceptions; and antisocial and illegal behaviors. The data revealed that the alternative education center students: (1) were more likely to believe that all their teachers were interested in them and that all teachers showed respect for students; (2) were disproportionately adolescents of color; (3) were more likely to have parents who abused substances; (4) were more likely, if they were female, to have a history of sexual abuse; (5) had a higher suicide rate; (6) had greater antisocial behavior; and (7) commonly used substances. The report includes six suggestions for improving services for adolescents, including incorporating their positive attitudes toward their teachers. (Contains 33 references.) (JDM)