The Portland Public Schools Board of Education requested this study of alternative education programs supported by the District to assist the staff and board in making budgetary decisions. The Task Force made the following recommendations: (1) provide support necessary to stabilize existing educational options; (2) develop school-based educational options for all age groups in each high school cluster; (3) develop additional educational options open to students District-wide, with special attention to the north and northeast sections of Portland; (4) establish policy and administration guidelines that support the need for and validity of educational options; (5) provide an administrative structure with responsibility for and authority to support, maintain, evaluate, and extend educational options; and (6) consider the redefinition of resources assigned to buildings and clusters to develop innovative instructional practices. In light of basic principles of successful educational options, the Task Force was not highly prescriptive in recommending schools, programs, and locations. The recommendations reflect an acknowledged need for changes in educational practices, an endorsement of educational options, and creation of a mechanism to facilitate program development rather than specific solutions for school populations within the District. Appendixes include the study design, public testimonies reviewed by the Task Force, a statement of responsibilities of the Administrator for Education Options Program, and a list of goals for implementing the education options. (Author/LHW)