Argues that it is essential that alternative schools continually ask themselves: What is learning?'' Suggests that such schools must view the way the student values himself and his needs, the way he relates to other people, and the way he operates within the educational institution -- given the variables that will affect what a student learns at…

Organizational Development (OD) projects assist schools in clarifying communication, establishing clear goals, solving conflicts, improving meetings, and making decisions. (Author)

An atmosphere of trust and respect is the backbone for a program of individualized instruction. (RK)

The social sciences tend to address easily quantifiable aspects of human life and produce statistical findings of value only to scholars and scientists. The Hite studies, which address ordinary human concerns and present their findings in a form easily understood by the general public, represent a model for the future. (Author/RM)

Difficulties associated with applying the scientific method to disciplines which deal with man and the societies he creates are discussed. Implications for institutional professions such as librarianship are mentioned. (PP)

Writing is a vehicle that opens the door to an awareness of the self and its response to the world. To broaden this awareness, it is integral to zoom in on students' feelings, for these feelings are generally sensitive and very articulate. Activities are suggested. (RM)

The prevailing trends in American education-- centralization, bureaucratization, and hyperrationalization-- are being pressed upon the institution of schooling through current modes of educational change. A better approach is to increase human control over educating, locating responsibility for educational improvement with the teachers themselves.…

Semi-open, open, and other alternatives to the confidentiality of traditional adoption procedures are discussed by focusing on the needs of adoptive and birth parents. Positive outcomes of alternative approaches to adoption for all members of the adoption triangle are indicated. (Author/RH)

Our society categorizes people by age, sex, work role, and attractiveness. Children easily absorb these stereotypes of certain groups, particularly the old. If we are to build a life-oriented society, parents and schools must change their own attitudes and teach children to value human beings, not roles. (SJL)

As engineers become increasingly responsive to social issues, technology is no longer the only determinant of what they do. Ecological, social, cultural, psychological, and political influences are important considerations, and the changes are moving engineering schools to reconsider basic changes in both the mode and social content of their…

Argues that, as the world becomes increasingly less human and more technocratic, staying in contact with whatever is humane requires conscious effort. Suggests the use of poetry writing assignments as a means of preserving children's inventiveness and imagination. Provides examples of poems written by schoolchildren. (SG)

Discusses the institutionalization of children in child care centers. Describes characteristics of institutions that tend to dehumanize individuals. Characteristics relate to (1) space allotment; (2) the use of time; (3) privacy; (4) personal property; (5) meaning and responsibility; (6) spontaneity; (7) security and safety; (8) individuals…

The purpose of this book is to help children in grades 2-6 realize that being "different" is okay; in fact, it makes people more interesting and makes the world a better place. The book is intended to help children with disabilities feel better about themselves, and to help children without disabilities see that people who have…