Describes traditional training programs in Germany and two alternatives: (1) practice companies, where apprentices work and learn in actual work settings, funded by industries; and (2) noncompany-based programs, where job training is delivered in technical institutes funded by federal and state governments. (SK)

Examines the beliefs of certified public accountants (CPAs) in the state of Georgia concerning the effectiveness of distance education in providing continuing professional education (CPE). Findings indicate that the CPAs believe distance education to be an effective mode of learning, and that necessary technological capabilities are available to…

Advocates moving from a problem-focused model for schools--especially alternative schools--and toward one based on building resiliency: capabilities, strengths, and assets that help people bounce back from adversity. Shows how schools in general do not promote resiliency. Discusses ways to foster resiliency in students and adults of a school…

The theme in this special section is computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). The papers mark the development of computer-supported cooperative work and give a diversity of perspectives in the field, representing a range of interests and concerns. (AEF)

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)

Surveyed 129 K-12 educators teaching in alternative programs concerning their stress and well-being. Respondents experienced moderate to high stress; high stress was negatively related to several domains of well-being. Major stressors included student demands, physical demands of collegial interactions, and inadequate funding. (Contains 35…

The rapidly growing homeschooling movement has been around for centuries. No definitive data exist on the scope of homeschooling, but limited data note that homeschooling families are generally religious, conservative, middle income, educated whites. People often consider homeschooling after disappointments with public school quality. Homeschooled…

Examined data on rural, public, one-teacher schools. Surveys of one-room school teachers and information from national databases indicated that existing schools were amply staffed with qualified, experienced teachers. Community support was high. Students did well, with few discipline problems. There was a significant drop in numbers of schools…

Describes (in the form of journal entries) the experiences of a theater educator working with at-risk high school students in the Alternative Program of Pullman High School (housed in the College of Education of Washington State University). Address the challenges of attendance and of focus. Notes that drama made a difference for some of the…

Examines Colorado's Second Chance Pilot Program for Dropouts, designed to reduce the number of dropouts through Second Chance Centers giving students the opportunity to complete requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Although limited in success, the program provides a model for the funding of alternative schools. (SLD)

Describes program alternatives in science for students with learning disabilities and their implications for reading and writing. Reviews opportunity to learn, the science performance of students with learning disabilities, science textbook instruction, literacy and science, and alternatives to read-dependent science programs. Presents an…

In 1999, the De Kalb (Georgia) Truancy School was created, with cooperation from the county board of education, the superintendent, and the county juvenile court. The school gives chronically truant students an educational setting focused on their individual circumstances and needs. Average daily attendance for 51 students is 97 percent. (MLH)

Describes the reasons three institutions have for avoiding the creation of significant online education programs. The University of Texas, Austin, only participates in the state's distance education system to a limited degree because it is already so large. Boston College maintains a commitment to the residential college life, and the University…

Introduces an organic chemistry course using the cooperative learning method and investigates this teaching method's effects on student learning with the participation of (n=16) super-qualified freshman who achieved a grade of 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examination. (YDS)

Focuses on mathematics anxiety in 9- to 11-year-old children. Compares the mathematics anxiety of pupils taught in a traditional manner with that of pupils whose teachers adopted an alternative teaching approach that emphasizes problem solving and discussion of the pupil's own informal strategies. Concludes that pupils exposed to the traditional…