In Western Australia there is a relatively small number of students whose behaviour is so severe that they are precluded from participating in regular schools. One alternative education placement for these students has been to enrol them in the Schools of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) program. This research reviews the enrolment of excluded students at SIDE as perceived by the personnel who provide this service. A number of key issues emerge that pertain specifically to student learning, communication, attitude and the lack of availability of appropriate alternative programs for these students. (Contains 4 tables.)