This paper reports on research conducted in alternative schools/flexible learning centres designed to support young people marginalised from mainstream schooling in Australia. Many of the young people attending these centres had left school due to difficult personal circumstances and/or significant conflicts with schooling authorities. We argue…

This article describes the collective efforts educators and multiple community partners are taking to transform one alternative urban high school into a full-service community school. The article presents preliminary findings on the opportunities for bridging social capital that the full-service initiative has created and the impacts such…

The purpose of this article is to review a partnership between a teacher education department and a dropout prevention program. The partnership developed from a variety of communities' needs, no less of which was that of reconnecting marginalized youth at a local dropout prevention school with their community through cultural and civic…

What started as a summer arts and crafts program in the predominantly Mexican-American lower west side of St. Paul, Minnesota, has developed into a "dropouts" school accepted into the public school system. The small school emphasizes strictness, caring, basic skills, and student responsibility. (SJL)

Starr Commonwealth has served troubled children and youth and their families for nearly a century. Starr's Montcalm Schools operate from campuses in Michigan and Ohio, enrolling students referred by families and educational consultants. The Montcalm Outdoor Challenge Program is a key part of Starr's network of nonprofit alternative education and…

The structure and operations of a school based on Kohlberg's concept of just community are described. This approach integrates social studies and English curricula with a program of moral discussions and a governance structure based on a participatory democracy. (Author/DE)

This is an interview with four junior high school teachers in which some of the features of a junior high school program within an elementary school are discussed. (AM)

Several pilot studies designed to stimulate moral thinking in classroom settings were discussed. Each offered a primary objective of the stimulation of mature moral thought and action. (Author/RK)

Believing in students is what's behind the best alternative schools. Profiles of various alternative education programs reveal stringent requirements for students' self-discipline and responsibility for learning. Some districts are turning to alternative programs and schools in an effort to keep their regular schools safe. (MLF)

A principal responds negatively to "A Nation at Risk" and more positively to the Carnegie Foundation's "High School." He describes how the alternative Jefferson County (CO) Open High School puts some of the Carnegie Foundation's recommendations into practice and details the school curriculum, class atmosphere, apprenticeships,…

This photo-essay describes a Waldorf School. Developed by Austrian Rudolf Steiner, the Waldorf plan is dedicated to allowing the child a childlike environment. It emphasizes storytelling, creative dramatics, flexibility, improvisation, crafts, and movement. (SJL)

This article briefly describes Live Oak School, a nongraded, parent-run alternative for ages 4-13, whose main concern is providing a positive and supportive learning environment. Its affective objectives for learners and teachers in the areas of self-concept, responsibility, and positive social interaction are outlined. (SJL)

The purpose of this document is to assist the educational community in the development of positive school learning climates through the use of inservice teacher training programs and supportive classroom activities. The five exemplary, short-term seminars designed for school personnel by the Youth Advocacy Loop of the Teacher Corps are described…

This article describes the philosophy and methods used by the staff at the Granite Alternative School in changing student attitudes through behavior modification. The students involved all have a failure syndrome or low self-image, and are dropouts from traditional high schools. Among the techniques used are: (1) reinforcing good behavior (praise…

This catalog presents 40 of the optional educational programs developed in New York State that accommodate factors such as student needs, parental preferences, and teacher interests. The catalog includes guidelines for establishing alternative learning programs and a request for information from other New York schools that have established such a…