This essay is an open letter from a classroom teacher to a concerned citizen. The letter lists a variety of problems caused largely by standardization and the more corrosive effects of positivism. Many of these problems are unknown to those outside the immediate school setting. While the letter focuses on a specific setting, an inner city school…

During summer vacation, many students lose knowledge and skills. By the end of summer, students perform, on average, one month behind where they left off in the spring. Participation in summer learning programs should mitigate learning loss and could even produce achievement gains. Indeed, educators and policymakers increasingly promote summer…

This article discusses the Berlin (Connecticut) High School's NET (Non-Traditional Educational Training) program. NET is a self-contained program that is composed of three components: academics, social and emotional support, and vocational training. Rather than treat students alike, the NET program tailors their high school experience to meet…

Discusses alternative-education programs and describes the SKILL (Student Knowledge in Living and Learning) Program that offers high school students small classes with individualized instruction. Describes public-education alternative schools as well as private, religious, and other types of alternative schools, and five sidebars offer other…

SAGE is a five-year class-size-reduction program being implemented in 80 Wisconsin schools. A longitudinal, evaluative study is being conducted in 30 SAGE schools. Small classes have three effects leading to increased individualization: fewer discipline problems, greater knowledge of students, and more teacher enthusiasm (using directive methods).…

Evaluation of a Wisconsin initiative compared academic progress in three types of smaller K-3 classes (15 students per teacher) with that in comparison schools. Smaller classes had fewer discipline problems, more time for instruction and individualization, varied instructional strategies, and more content and in-depth coverage. (Contains 10…

The Wood County (Ohio) Alternative School Program was studied to determine overall effectiveness as perceived by students, parents, probation officers, and school administrators. Results indicate that the alternative school was perceived as generally effective, due to small classes and individualized instruction. The alternative school/home school…

This report discusses the activities and outcomes of Special Instructional Assistance (SIA) an early intervention, prevention program designed to help Georgia students with identified developmental delays overcome the effects of those delays on academic achievement. The central tenet of the program is to provide more individualized instruction to…

Supported by Saint Paul and the Northern States Power Company, two Minnesota secondary teachers developed a pilot program, the Power League, aimed at returning 16- to 21-year olds to school. The City Academy grew out of students' requests for individual learning plans, an intimate learning community, and a sound school restructuring rationale.…