In this booklet, options (alternatives) for education in the Chicago Public Schools are discussed. Options described are of four types, all focusing on the learning of basic skills: (1) instruction-based, such as Montessori and open schools; (2) curriculum-based, such as magnet schools, academies, environmental schools and multicultural schools; (3) administrative-based, such as mini-schools; and (4) facility and resource based, such as academic interest centers and career development centers. Planning, development and implementation stages are outlined. Suggestions are made about financing and administrating alternatives and relating them to neighborhood schools, desegregation and permissive transfer. The new directions in educational options, the development of process models for options and leadership roles necessary to options development as implemented in the Chicago Public Schools are outlined. Appendices include policy statements on options planning, funding approval, methods of teacher self-assessment, and a glossary defining important terms in alternative education programs. (WI)