This report analyzes the reasons why parents in Minnesota choose to homeschool their children. The survey, on which the report is based, is part of a larger study examining each of the types of school-choice options available in Minnesota. Three research questions guided the survey: What are the demographic characteristics of families who choose…

This report provides descriptive information on charter schools that were in operation during the 1997-98 school year. The report is part of a 4-year research program that will document and analyze the charter-school movement. Data were gathered using phone surveys, repeated field visits to a sample of charter schools and their surrounding…

In 1995, the Texas legislature established a policy that each school district must have an "alternative educational setting for behavioral management." This policy brief examines the ways in which this idea has been implemented in Texas, using data from the Texas Education Agency. Findings show that, for the most part, these alternative…

This study compared the effectiveness of traditional teaching, electronic mail (e-mail), and combination approaches for teaching graduate introductory statistics classes. The e-mail courses that are the focus of this study were offered in the fall terms of academic years, 1997 through 2000 by the same instructor. All sections incorporated the use…

This report summarizes the results of a graduate survey on their preferences for alternative methods of course delivery, preferences for weekly class schedules, and assessments of distance learning courses. The 1999 Community College of Philadelphia graduates were presented with several possible scheduling options which they were asked to…

The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) has provided an alternative school program for students with long-term suspensions since the 1995-96 school year. Since 1996-97, the WCPSS has contracted with a private firm to operate the Richard M. Milburn High School (RMHS), as an alternative learning center. This Executive Summary highlights the…

An alternative school for problem students (aged 12-19) was established in Grand Rapids. Innovative features include a contract learning package (providing help in remedial skills), a "free room" (where students spend reward tokens) and group counseling. Evaluation indicated parent and student approval and student progress in academic and social…

Article focused on the question of whether public schools could achieve both diversification and standards. (Editor/RK)

A professor of open education defends the goals and methodology of "informal schooling". (CS)

The two years of experience of the Minneapolis SEA Project indicates positive results in the areas of comprehensive change, consensus on goals, and continued school integration. (KM)

Two important trends in public education of the 1970's are identified as humanistic education and a wide choice of educational options. An analysis of the interrelationship between these trends emphasizes the need for educational alternatives in order to humanize education. (KM)

A community internship program, a school-within-a-school, an educational park, an open school, and a drop-out school all offer new approaches to social education. (KM)

Discusses the alternative learning and teaching system, Individually Guided Education (IGE). (JF)

Discusses how one rural community began an alternative school after concern mounted over the dropout rate in this conventional district's high schools. (DN)

Discusses a program started in Duluth, Minnesota, in which parents have the option of selecting the kind of education they want for their children and in which both parents and students contract for achieving a desired educational step in a specified period of time. (DN)