Directories of free universities and publications produced by such organizations are provided in this brief bibliography. (SJ)

A brief biographical account of the life of Elizabeth Byrne Ferm and her work in the Modern School Movement describes her early life; her educational training based on Froebel's ideas; and her development of "free" kindergartens, particularly at the Modern School at Stelton, New Jersey. (SAS)

An updated directory of new and innovative schools in the U.S. and Canada lists over 700 schools at all educational levels. The schools are listed by states; information is given about the address, phone number, ages of students, date founded, tuition, ratio of students to teachers, and a phrase or two describes any special quality of the school.…

Although most sixties-style, free-form high schools have faded or been eclipsed by "back to basics," alternative schools like H-B Woodlawn, in Arlington, Virginia, continue to flourish inside education's mainstream. The school thrives on informality, a lottery selection system, democratic governance, and high test scores. (MLH)

After a 4-month chaotic period, the development of a crude curriculum, which became the focal point of this school and the activity of its members, is noted as the beginning of the social order of the school. (HMD)

The author describes the New Education movement in Europe during the first half of the twentieth century. He explores the applications of this theory to contemporary efforts to reform American education. (CH)

Free schools are shown in this article to have certain advantages over straight" public schools. They are far more radical and have greater student voice and power. (MR)

Reports on a study of the graduates of the Sudbury Valley School, a primary and secondary school that has no learning requirements but supports students' self-directed activities. The majority of graduates went on to good colleges and good jobs. Although this could reflect their middle-class backgrounds, their futures were clearly not harmed by…

A former teacher at Rockland Project School (New York) reflects on the effects of the alternative school on her former students after seeing them at a reunion. She concludes that the freedom offered at the school served most students well in their adult lives. (KS)

Considers the liabilities imposed by the acceptance of a political orientation toward the concept of the free school or the open classroom. This orientation results when a notion of freedom taken from political theory is applied to education without careful consideration of the relevant differences between political and educational activity.…

Jon Scott, former department chair at the State University of New York at Albany, discusses his early education in the Modern School Movement, transition to public school, college experience, and opinions on the deficiencies of higher education. (SAS)

Various forms of alternative education include elements that are incompatible with each other; alternative educators must clarify their principles and follow their own paths. For example, Kinokuni Children's Village (Japan) is a "free school" that has blended elements of the philosophies of Neill, Dewey, and its founder Hori. (SV)