Taking the Alternate Route

Zero-tolerance policies are pushing more kids out of traditional schools. Here's where they go

What happens to kids who misbehave so badly they get kicked out of public school? It used to be they disappeared from view and then limped through life without a high school diploma, which means they never really got far. But as more schools have become tough with the tough kids, a system for managing these potential dropouts has begun to emerge, giving kids like Eduardo a chance.

Sitting on a folding chair in his cap and gown, surrounded by proud friends and teachers, Eduardo, 18, looks like any other happy December graduate as he opens a gift-wrapped box containing a...

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