General conclusions regarding the uses of education in the development process reached by the investigators involved in the Michigan State Project in Non-Formal Education are reported and the rationale behind these conclusions is discussed. These broad questions being explored by investigators are noted: Historical Perspectives; Categories and…

The rationale, objectives, descriptions, evaluations, and plans for an alternative junior high school, Markles Flats which is a joint collaboration of the Ithaca public system and the Human Affairs Program of Cornell University, are described in this paper. As part of a broader effort to develop a different educational environment for a group of…

A primary annex, built to relieve overcrowding, is attended by children registered in kindergarten through grade 3. The building consists of an open area organized into a number of learning centers plus three closed classrooms. The school's program is based on two concepts adapted from the British Infant School system: (1) family or vertical…

This document represents the efforts of a research project to determine if the implementation of "middle school concept" would create an organizational structure or social context that would enhance relationships both within and between the staff and the student body. The study aimed at providing a preliminary description of West Middle School in…

In this report, four secondary schools with programs varying from innovative to traditional are studied to evaluate the impact of innovation on the learning experience of students. Questionnaires were administered to students and staff, and interviews were conducted with smaller groups. Teacher marks were employed to evaluate student achievement.…

This report is the result of the first year evaluation of 16 open plan schools built by SEF, four NonSEF open plan schools, and four traditional plan schools in an effort to compare SEF schools with nonSEF schools and open plan facilities with traditional plan facilities. The study was intended to gather information about the adequacy of these…

Two studies reporting the results of surveys of minority student perceptions of isolation extant in desegregated school settings in Texas and New Mexico are presented. Study I involved Mexican-American students who were given a 25-item questionnaire concerning their perceived educational environment. Students were asked to what extent each…

This paper discusses the influence of home and school environments on learning in children. Studies are cited which support the hypothesis that the home environment is the major predictor of school achievement. These studies deal with "status" variables such as father's occupation and education, mother's education, and social and…

Examination of the Intelligence Quotient of 46 Black children, half of whom had been adopted by White families and half by Black families, reveals that it is not just the ethnicity of the family of rearing that influences the development of the child's skills, but also the ethnic milieu that surrounds the family. (BJV)

Interviews with 201 Blacks between the ages of 19 and 28 reveal that Blacks' gains in education attest to the effectiveness of concerted individual and community effort. The effects of the following factors are examined: (1) family socioeconomic status; (2) family structure; (3) family influence; (4) educational background; (5) school influence;…

Describes the following roles and duties of teachers working as a team in the Hope Essential High School: (1) plan the curriculum; (2) have flexible schedules; (3) have common planning time; (4) advise students; (5) choose own grading system; and (6) promote the ideal of student-as-worker. (BJV)

Reviews the implications of James Coleman's report, "Public and Private High Schools" for education reform and Catholic schools, focusing on issues related to free choice between public and private schools, school organization, parent involvement, and values. (DMM)

Claims that despite recent efforts to eliminate sex inequities in education, schools continue to provide numerous inputs into the child's gender stereotyping system. Reviews research on sex differences in teacher attitudes, classroom and peer interactions, instructional practices, and other school experiences central to gender schemata…

Contains 11 articles, including first-person accounts, on the work and work environment of teachers. Discusses the factors that make teaching satisfying or frustrating and offers suggestions for change in both the policy and organizational framework of the schools and the roles, relationships, and ethos knitting together individuals in particular…

If students are to respect minority values, a multicultural philosophy must pervade every aspect of school life. Discussed are indicators which will show that minorities are not receiving equality of opportunity and the behavior patterns and learning styles of six ethnic groups--South Asian, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Portuguese. (RM)