In April 1978 the National Institute of Education held a conference to explore alternative approaches to suspension as a disciplinary procedure. This publication reproduces the proceedings of this conference. The proceedings reflect a cross-section of opinion on alternative programs provided by panelists and speakers from many sectors of the educational community. Highlighted were such considerations as legal issues in the discipline process, effective implementation and organization of programs, and the status of discipline in public education. A presentation by Junious Williams detailed the pros and cons of alternative programs, as well as presenting recent figures on suspension and expulsion in the nation's schools. Hayes Mizell offered a discussion on components essential to implementation of inschool alternative programs. Eight directors of inschool alternative programs presented detailed descriptions of their alternative plans. The Honorable Shirley Chisholm delivered a keynote address proposing a policy among federal agencies promoting the design of more alternative education and employment programs for youth. (Author/JM)