Reviews research on multiage classroom organization as an option for high-ability students. Studies of cognitive and affective factors have consistently shown positive effect sizes. Discusses conditions under which positive effects are most likely and explores multiage classes as an alternative for high-ability children. (Contains 85 references.)…

Focuses on the possibilities open to institutions using distance learning (DL) through the Internet. Discusses synchronic, asynchronic and noninteractive learning and their incorporation in the Internet; the main contributing factors of Internet-based DL; challenges and controversies; mapping the presence of formal education institutions on the…

Explores reasons for the general lack of acceptance of experiential approaches to education. Compares experiential and mainstream education with regard to foundations, goals, ideas about knowledge and learning, organization of students, classroom communication, teaching methods, resources, setting, and evaluation strategies. Suggests that…

Analyzed information from 14 charter-granting agencies (CGAs) to understand the challenges they have faced in their roles as charter school gatekeepers. CGAs use diverse strategies to meet their responsibilities, but in many cases the processes by which charter schools will be held accountable have not been well-developed. (SLD)

A review of the research and a look at some assumptions about charter schools suggests that charter schools do have the potential to help teachers improve instruction. The effectiveness of charter school reforms emerges from common focus and a certain level of teacher self-determination. (SLD)

Discusses adolescents' needs, asserting that the Erdkinder environment is Montessori's answer to those needs. Outlines various aspects of the Erdkinder environment. Concludes by summarizing what needs to be done to work towards establishing Erdkinder communities in secondary education. (JS)

This article discusses home schooling for gifted children and describes the most common teaching strategies or pedagogical approaches that home schoolers have successfully used, including: classical, lifestyle of learning, schooling at home, structured/mastery learning, unit studies, unschooling, worldview, and curriculum-based. The benefits of…

The author has worked in education for almost 30 years in the UK and internationally. Since 1987 when she cofounded an international theatre company called CETTIE (Cultural Exchange Through Theatre In Education), the author has worked as an arts practitioner and arts education consultant in parallel with her teaching career. She has consistently…

Data from a national study suggest that continuing education programs demonstrate considerable entrepreneurial activity.

With a view to basic formal education, this study explores actual experiences and potential values of current community-school initiatives in Africa. Using data from different programmes around the continent, it examines their dynamics in terms of various conceptions about alternative provisions for basic education. The wider policy question posed…

Data from Sloan-C snapshot of the status of online education in the US indicate that online education is becomingly increasingly a part of the long-term goals and strategies of many institutions. Technical education has begun taking advantage of the online market by offering online education at the bachelor's and master's level. However, the…

Programs desiring to offer true alternatives for troubled children and youth can focus efforts through a developmental lens. Adults who focus their intervention decisions through beliefs based on healthy social-emotional developmental theory and practice provide a strength-based alternative, a sturdy foundation, and an oasis of hope for youth to…

This article examines the ways in which the development of alternative initial teacher education programs in England and Canada over the last two decades serve to challenge some of the taken-for-granted assumptions underlying established models of initial teacher education in both jurisdictions, and also to broaden the pool of people who have…

This article relates the story of Joy Warner, founder and director of Children's Community School (CCS) in Huntersville, North Carolina. Distressed to learn that her five-year-old would have to change classes in public school, and unhappy with the uninspired teaching she witnessed in private schools, Warner decided to open her own school. A major…

The authors studied a course in which an instructor allowed individuals at a distance to participate. Although these students were not formally enrolled in the university where the class took place, the instructor gave them full access to all course materials and encouraged them to complete course assignments. The authors examined the time and…