The purpose of this study was to analyze teacher perceptions of school culture on a campus with an embedded and established school-within-a-school (SWS) educational model. An initial demographic survey, site walkthrough observations, and interviews with teachers from the SWS and general education (GE) model were conducted to gain insight on the…

The purpose of this publication is to present the reader with brief descriptions of selected alternative schools and programs operating in Louisiana in 1976. Descriptions of many of the better-known types of alternative programs are found, including those that deal with college-bound students, alternatives to suspension/expulsion, and…

Describes how one school implemented a program to humanize schools. (Author/JM)

The second year of operation of Hilo High School's "School-Within-A-School" [SWS] program is evaluated in this paper. Planning, training, and program implementation are described in the document. The following are the results of the program: There was an improvement in attendance among project students when compared to their record in…

Covers camping out for credit; racing for credit; choosing from the seven "schools" in Quincy (Illinois) High School; and developing the Colorado College block scheduling plan under which students take only one course at a time. (Author)

Discusses the development since 1971 of an alternative school-within-a-school at the Wheatley School in East Williston (New York), emphasizing shared decision making, nontraditional teaching, and student self-evaluation. Describes recent changes in the program to improve both student evaluation and the program's communication with the traditional…

This fastback document explores ways to develop alternative high-school programs to help at-risk students. It focuses on the "school within a school" model where the emphasis is on a caring school climate and smaller class sizes. The booklet offers a step-by-step guide for developing an alternative school, which begins with determining the need…

In 1990, Kent-Meridian High School in Kent, Washington, decided to implement four schools within schools, each with its separate academic and career focus. The first section of this paper outlines the 3-year evaluation plan for the Health/Science School (1992-1995), with a focus on identifying program outcomes and developing assessment measures.…

Attempts to determine whether behavior problems were as great a concern in schools-within-a-school as they were perceived to be in regular high schools. Uses student and teacher ratings as criteria for evaluating behavior problems. (Author/RK)

Describes the advantages of the small school-within-a-school plan for students having difficulty growing in an ordinary large secondary school. Uses the example of Santa Maria High School in California and how it gives students an opportunity to study a curriculum suitable for their future expectations. (RK)

Discusses the growing array of school choice options, including: magnet schools; schools-within-schools; alternative schools; charter schools; and school voucher programs. The paper examines the impact of and potential problems with school choice and recommends that public school advocates recognize the need for public schools to continue to…

An alternative schools "explosion" is currently producing a large number of diverse educational choices for parents and students. Alternative schools, or those schools that offer all students a distinctive choice of educational programs, can be classified by philosophy, curriculum, or governance. This report defines, explains, and…

Structured as schools-within-schools, California Partnership Academies are 3-year high school programs beginning in grade 10 and involving the business community. The academies feature courses focused on an occupational theme, coupled with rigorous academic instruction; block scheduling; a selection process identifying promising low-achievers; a…

A significant number of American high schools are trying to restructure the traditional organization by designing smaller house plans, advisory systems, and block schedules enabling them to serve today's students' diverse needs. Besides helping to personalize learning, such nontraditional schooling alternatives can help create a healthy…

The major problem area of humanization and involvement in the New York City high schools is the focus of this report. In this area a most promising trend is the emergence of the school-within-a-school and the small-unit school. This report surveys the various units which have been established, their roles in the high school system, and some of the…