Abstract
This paper delineates and discusses the nature of alternative assessment, the history of alternative assessment (focusing on issues that were key to its expanded use), the purposes for the use of alternative assessment, and various applications of alternative assessment methods in classrooms.

From the Paper
"The use of alternative assessments is one of the fastest growing assessment methodologies in the American education system. (Ruder, Schafer) The purpose of this paper is to provide a general overview of alternative assessment. To this end, the paper delineates and discusses the nature of alternative assessment, the history of alternative assessment, focusing on issues that were key to its expanded use, the purposes for the use of alternative assessment and various applications of alternative assessment methods in classrooms."

Tags:Alternative Assessments, Education

Abstract
This paper describes some popular alternative energy sources and then addresses the effect of those same alternatives on the fiscal integrity of "Big Oil." The conclusion discusses possible global economic ramifications of oil companies being unable to transition to alternative fuels.

From the Paper
"In this paper we discuss a brief overview of some of the more popular alternative energy sources that are popping up in the public sphere, as well as some of their pros and cons."

Tags:alternative, fuel, economy

Abstract
This essay purports that alternative medicine can be beneficial for certain problems but should not be the only type of medical help sought. The author emphasizes the importance of learning from a variety of sources in terms of what remedy works for the particular situation. Empirical support for several herbal remedies is provided (e.g. valerian root, noni juice, and ginko biloba.)

From the Paper
"Alternative therapy is according to research, is always appropriate as far as its goal of improved health is concerned, which is no headline. As far as alternative therapy specifically, it is natural, safe, and a nutritional supplement that certainly helps the body in some way. Everyone can use that. Research reveals that the real key is to determine whether the remedies are the most efficient methods of getting the needed nutrients or health benefits that are being sought in taking them in the first place.
"A particularly relevant example exists in the case of Valerian root, which is often used for multiple sclerosis and an array of other physical disruptions, primarily nerve related. Studies of this root provide research and history regarding natural remedies that are classified as "alternative therapy." It also helps clarify the picture as to when the therapies are most appropriate, though it takes the deduction and logic of the researcher to fully complete this circle of information. As for Valerian root, specific ingredients have been found which are beneficial to health"

Tags:holistic health noni, alternative therapy, alternative remedies

Abstract
This paper defines alternative medicine as being medicine that is outside of the realm of traditional medical practices, but that is safe and proven to be effective It then contrasts alternative medicine with complimentary medicine, showing how they differ. The paper further describes Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

From the Paper
"Alternative medicine can be defined as medicine that is outside of the realm of traditional medical practices, but that is safe a proven to be effective. Alternative medicine is different than complimentary medicine in that alternative medicine is used instead of traditional practices, while complementary medicine in used in conjunction with traditional practices. In some cases, however, alternative medicine can also be considered as complementary medicine. This has been especially true in relation to Chinese Traditional Medicine..."

Tags:alternative, medicine, nursing

Abstract
The paper explains that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) describes an array of healing modalities whose time for serious consideration and integration into the present healthcare system may have arrived. The paper states that homeopathy is the most controversial form of CAM and discusses the biases claiming that homeopathy treatment is an an implausible treatment, but affirms that homeopathy is an important topic for public health. This is due to the affordability, accessibility and efficacy of homeopathic remedies.

Outline:
The Perception of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Conventional Medicine
Homeopathy: Medicine of the past and the future
Implications for CAM in Public Health

From the Paper
"It is possible that unfounded accusations of quackery and the like are but a smokescreen that has been thrown up to blur certain facts about CAM's increased appeal. It is also possible that conventional health practitioners and the pharmaceutical industry are striving to monopolize treatment in the US. It is more likely however, that evidence-based research, which has become the pinnacle of standards for excellence in testing the efficacy and safety of treatment with drugs, is an improper testing method for CAM (Novella et al., 2007). CAM uses few, if any pharmaceutical treatments, and should be held to appropriate contextual standards for what CAM in general, and each therapy in particular, claims. Homeopathy, for example, displays effects that are vastly different than the action of drugs, and requires fundamentally different protocols from which to study and gather evidence."

Tags:complementary, alternative, medicine, public, health, homeopathy

Abstract
This paper examines several alternative energy sources, discussing the context and rational motivation for using alternative energy and providing recommendations for a public policy framework.

From the Paper
"The world's dependence upon fossil fuels has precipitated a number of problems that can be met with a transition to alternative energy sources. While fossil fuel stores are limited, alternative energy sources can yield more energy, often at less cost, in a more sustainable manner. In addition, the burning of fossil fuels contributes to the problem of global warming, while the use of alternative energy sources does not. Global warming is exacerbated by the carbon dioxide that the burning..."

Tags:public administration, energy, renewable, green, clean, alternative energy, context, rational motivation, recommendations, water, biomass, solar, wind, hydrogen, nuclear power, OTEC

Abstract
The paper identifies the key issues related to alternative medicine therapies in today's society, whereby nurses are required to provide care and treatment that does not always emphasize the alleviation of pain and suffering. The paper explains how alternative therapies serve as an effective means of offering patients with new treatment regimens for alleviating symptoms and illness.

From the Paper
"In today's society, it is strongly evident that medical care is comprised of a wide variety of techniques and therapies that are designed to promote health and wellness. However, alternative therapies are also available, which encourage well being without many of the side effects of chemical and technological interventions. In the modern world, evidence suggests that many traditional therapies tend to cause more harm than good to patients and therefore it is strongly recommended that other alternatives must be considered in order to promote improved health and wellness. I believe that alternative therapies are the key to future success for many individuals as a means of eradicating illness and its symptoms; however, this is not the only choice for some patients, as traditional therapies are deemed more effective in treating some types of illnesses on a long-term basis."

Tags:alternative, therapies, nursing

Abstract
This paper offers an overview of some forms of alternative education focusing on home-schooling, the Waldorf School System and the Charter School System. It discusses the effect on student performance. The author explores the reasons why home-schooling is a growing segment of alternative education.

From the Paper
"Koetzsch states that in its broadest sense alternative education refers to all programs of education that fall outside of the traditional K public school system. These programs would include private schools, home schools, ..."

Tags:Waldorf, Education, Schools, Charter, Homeschooling, alternative, education

Abstract
This paper looks at how some of the techniques and therapies used in alternative medicine are being integrated into the practice of conventional medicine. The paper explains that the combined use of alternative medicine with conventional medicine is known as Integrative Medicine.

From the Paper
"Today people are often questioning the methods of traditional medicine but are not quite ready to abandon them in favor of alternative or complementary treatments. Some doctors and hospitals are delving into the benefits of alternative and complementary medicine, combining some of the techniques used with traditional therapies. They are creating a field called integrative medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Integrative medicine combines the best of traditional medicine with alternative medicine to maximize benefits for the patient."

Tags:alternative, complementary, traditional

Abstract
This paper discusses the alternative school system in relation to the traditional school system in Canada. This paper reviews the benefits of alternative schooling and helps to dismiss some of the myths surrounding traditional schools.

From the Paper
"Many people are suspicious of alternative schools. This is not surprising, since most people were educated at traditional schools. However, this paper argues that alternative schools teach everything that regular schools do, and a lot more besides. In particular, they foster many important qualities that ultimately contribute to the happiness and success of the children when they grow up. Thus, it would be a good thing for the schools boards of Ontario to open up more alternative schools. This will be shown by first exploding some of the myths of traditional schools, and then discussing the benefits of alternative schools."

Tags:educate, school, alternative