Examines the implementation of a situated-learning approach used in a nontraditional setting for an instructional technology course. Students were corporate employees taking the course at their workplace and using authentic work projects for learning. Research questions focused on blending business and academic goals and requirements, kinds of…

Presents techniques for developing a communication plan, or awareness plan, for education and corporate change programs. Discusses three basic components: message definition, audience definition, and the event plan. Addresses communicating for cultural change; communicating for management support; and communication influence on system design.…

Presents preliminary results of portfolio use as the focal point of strengths-based interventions designed to increase students' chances of re-entry into mainstream education. Describes use of the portfolio to support a multisystemic intervention program for chronically disruptive students, to foster recognition of student strengths, and to…

Provides guidelines for comprehensive outcomes assessment of accelerated degree and nontraditional adult programs. Illustrates common assessment practices used to document program efficacy, develop formative evaluations, and provide information for accreditation. (Contains 33 references.) (SK)

Presents the story of the number one for-profit school in the United States, the Thomas A. Edison Charter Academy. Teachers had a heavier workload, but better pay and perks. Shortly after opening, many teachers were discontent with the long days and calendar, lack of follow through on promised benefits, and other issues. Reactions to this…

The purpose of this paper is to raise issues and promote discussion about learning environments that go beyond traditionally delivered instructional systems. Topics addressed include: delivering high quality education to all children, from infancy to adulthood; changing the role of the teacher; lifelong learning; and improving educational quality.…

Introduces the basic concepts and elements of satellite and telecommunications satellites. Identifies the advantages of using the unique characteristics of telecommunications satellites in education. Lists cautions of using telecommunications satellite systems to deliver educational programs. (Author/AEF)

Examines the scale and nature of supplementary tutoring around the world including its cultural, educational, and economic factors and the far-reaching implications for academic achievement, social inequalities, and economic development. Contends that the multiple dimensions of supplementary tutoring should be explored more fully, as well as its…

Presents an overview of charter schools, tracing the history of the charter schools movement and outlining charter school laws in the states. Charter schools have been aimed at breaking the mold of the large urban schools and promoted as a way to restructure urban public education from within. Summarizes concerns of charter school critics. (SLD)

Lists 34 resources related to alternative education, including parent organizations, graduate programs, Web sites, clearinghouses, journals, advocacy groups, publishers, newsletters, and national organizations. Listings include contact information and a brief description. (LP)

An alternative public school in Atlanta (Georgia) for expelled, violent, and adjudicated youth from grades 4-12 is described. Challenge courses and adventure initiatives are used to develop self-awareness, trust, empathy, communication, character, problem solving, conflict resolution, and leadership skills that translate into improved academic…

The students quoted in this paper attend New Rush Hall Pupil Referral Unit, an alternative high school for disaffected students in Redbridge, east London. Rose is 16 and in her final year of high school. Her previous school records document numerous instances of challenging/violent behaviour, spitting, screaming and shouting. She has been arrested…

This prospective, longitudinal study showed that an intense educational program significantly improved academic performance in underserved students who were selected solely for their desire to participate in the program and their parents' willingness to support them. Mean performance in six representative components of the Woodcock-Johnson Tests…

The alternative school movement is a threat to the traditional educational system, as well it should be. The traditionalists see that, and fear it. Lower enrollment, nonexistent discipline, absence of learning with respect to declining test scores and evaluation measures, disrespect for teachers by students, administrators, and parents, low…

Online learning is meeting needs that traditional classrooms cannot fulfill. Online courses can get to people and places beyond the reach of the traditional school setting, serving the needs of students and teachers nationwide. This article describes the advantages of "virtual" schools in Florida, Louisiana, Alaska, West Virginia, and…