As the use of distance education grows, the question arises as to whether there are inherent limitations to the use of such an approach, due to the fact that learning is culturally and experientially mediated. The effective implementation of digital learning environments involves recognizing that successful teaching and learning involves students…

Findings from a study that examined the relationship between two educational movements--effective schools and nongradedness--are presented in this paper. Methodology involved: (1) a research review of studies conducted from January 1968 to June 1991 that compared graded and nongraded student performance using standardized objective measures; and…

Goodwill Industries of America (GIA), like many organizations that are national or global in scope, uses distance education to deliver management training. GIA uses distance education to train staff identified as future GIA directors, pending the successful conclusion of training. One of the most serious drawbacks to this and all distance…

In Colorado, a charter school is a public school operated by a group of parents, teachers, and/or community members as a semi-autonomous school of choice within a school district, operating under a contract between the charter school members and the local board of education. This publication provides information on the operation of charter schools…

One of the most rapidly growing innovations in education in the United States is the adoption of year-round calendars. The largest year-round operation during the 1970's and a model for many districts was run by the Jefferson County, Colorado, School District. After 14 years of year-round schooling, the district returned to a modified 9-month…

To date, only two states (Minnesota and California) have passed charter-school legislation. This report presents details from these two states regarding charter-school formation, including roles played by teachers and organizers, by local school boards as sponsors, and by county or state officials in providing an appeals process and technical…

This policy brief presents updated information on charter schools, particularly on developments in the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) region. Contents include a letter from Toivola-Meadowlands Charter School students and interviews with two parents from the Toivola-Meadowlands, Minnesota, Charter Schools. The parents report…

In 1981, Pikes Peak Community College initiated a new Continuing Education Area, which featured a "weekend college" for communication classes held on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Faculty and administrators have identified several advantages of the weekend college, including the following: (1) since classes are held in existing…

The paper addresses problems and strategies for evaluating mainstreamed students in vocational education classes. In addition to grading concerns, the area of graduation requirements is also considered. Alternatives to traditional methods of evaluation, including competencey based evaluation and adaptation of assessment techniques are described as…

The private college can hold its place, the author maintains, but only after a thoroughgoing revolution: tenure must be done away with, the word "curriculum" done away with, financial reforms undertaken, and innovative approaches found, e.g. getting out of all varsity sports and concentrating on a new concept of physical education/recreation. (JT)

Parents' preferences for educational alternatives were solicited by questionnaire in the Minneapolis public school system. (BRT)

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the alternative school on high school students' attitude toward school, career expectations and aspirations. (Editor)

Discusses a student-run community project dealing with a specific social problem. Offers guidelines and evaluative criteria for use by teachers of speech communication who wish to develop such programs as a source of enrichment for regular coursework. (MH)

Report of the Belmont Conference at which 26 educators were brought together to focus on the critical problems facing the principalship and to explore alternative solutions to them. (Author)