The metrics presently being used to gauge student success have become outdated and irrelevant. Enrollment, persistence, and degree attainment are secondary measures, missing entirely the question of whether students are truly achieving an effective life skillset while attempting to complete degree or graduation fulfillment. Student success, and…

Excerpts from students' writing illustrate the differences between Foxfire and other learning approaches and the dilemmas students face in Foxfire classes, including choices, decisions and responsibilities; developing new skills in a new process; participating in the democratic process; effectively working together; and nontraditional evaluations.…

Reports on nine issues that the National Society for the Study of Education agreed were crucial to education today and should be included in their yearbook on secondary education. Some of the conclusions of the yearbooks authors were also presented. (Editor/RK)

Specific studies are used to discuss three approaches to examining language teacher training programs. Points considered are teacher training programs do not provide enough training in affective areas; they do not have an adequate definition of teacher training; and they can do little to change basic perceptions about teaching and learning. (11…

Two teachers discuss their experiences implementing Foxfire practices in an alternative high school. One teacher was apprehensive about changing from the "traditional" approach to "student-initiated learning." The other teacher also experienced moments of doubt, but both teachers realized the benefits of the Foxfire approach…

Describes trust level theory in relation to Foxfire practices and educational change. Proposes that, as individuals in an organization move up an environmental quality scale, the value and nature of their organizational relationships improve, and fear is displaced by trust. Discusses seven trusting processes and their commonalities with Foxfire…

After 18 years of using a traditional approach to teaching, a middle-school teacher turned her classroom into a shared learning experience by giving students the responsibility to make choices about their education. To reassure parents who were skeptical of the Foxfire approach, she continued to interject traditional learning activities. (LP)

A high school teacher describes student experiences of meeting resistance when attempting to learn more about community issues or problems. These negative encounters, although causing some anxiety and distress, taught beneficial lessons that enabled students to grow and learn. (LP)

Using a four-year (1970-74) pedagogical developmental project (Brovst, Denmark), discusses crucial concepts/aspects of educational change (construction of knowledge, meaning of harvested experiences, relationship between aims and strategies). Discusses teaching strategies: negative stipulation (changing relation between children and reality)…

Suggests that successful middle school music teachers are those who are liked by students and who expect good behavior and reasonable effort. Discusses drug abuse, intellectual underdevelopment, and other problems faced by today's adolescent students. Recommends restructuring middle schools to address student needs, improving teacher education,…

A high school teacher and four students restructured the curriculum for a shop math class based on Foxfire practices. The students, former underachievers, gained support and raised monies for building a gyroplane by writing grants, meeting with school administrators, and taking part in community speaking engagements. (LP)

This guide for elementary Teacher preparation programs in science education comprises three sections: "Introduction"; "Guidelines"; and "Implementation." The reform efforts, particularly those pertaining to science education, are characterized by a shift towards shared responsibility for the preparation of teachers to…

The usefulness of futures research data to reform the general education curriculum was assessed in 1984, using the Delphi method. Expert opinion was identified concerning changes in the general education curriculum that should be made in light of conclusions provided in "The Global 2000 Report" and "Megatrends." In addition to…

This concept paper prepared for a conference on the theme of "2000 and Beyond: Preparing Quality Leaders for the Schools of Tomorrow," offers some suggestions for how future school leaders should prepare in order to develop pre- and in-service programs for current and future elementary and middle school principals. The paper offers a model of…