The philosophy of teleconferencing is unlikely to cause great controversy among distance educators. Common values of bridging, enhancement, extension, and support will be philosophically accepted. The University of Otago in Dunedin (New Zealand) and the University of the South Pacific in Suva (Fiji) are examples of institutions where the role…

This book explores the lives of a group of adult students, their rationale for pursuing an independent study degree at a distance, and their perceptions of computer conferencing. It is based on data from unstructured interviews and participant observation that were then analyzed from a symbolic interaction perspective. Chapter 1 describes the…

This paper describes the problems and challenges faced by nontraditional magnet schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The first magnet schools that opened in 1986 and 1991 were based on the Paideia model proposed by Adler (1982). Due to a high level of parent demand, the school district closed three of the poorest performing schools and reopened them…

How might independent schools play an effective role in educational reform through public-private collaborations? This study, a project of the Klingenstein Fellowship, surveys the types of partnerships, explores varying degrees of collaboration, and examines the impact of collaborations on schools and communities. Portraits of five collaborative…

One answer to the magnitude of the world education crisis is the provision of very large education systems, capable of enrolling 100,000 students or more. The largest distance system is the Dianda or Chinese Radio and Television University (CRTVU) system. Dianda is best described as a network of one central open university that does not enroll…

One issue in school restructuring has been deciding exactly how to make schools more autonomous and accountable. Charter schools, a recent concept, offer a viable means of integrating various reform ideas in order to create highly autonomous and accountable learning environments. This publication defines charter schools; highlights the appeal of…

Students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in disciplines other than statistics are required to take applied courses in descriptive and inferential statistics. These students are the brightest in their disciplines but lack mathematical background. Most are older, mature, working professionals who want the best out of these courses. Yet, they…

A study investigated the communication and learning problems of nontraditional students. Its methodology drew on case studies and interviews with 10 nontraditional students at two midwestern universities. Findings fit into various categories: curriculum, assignments, social isolation, classroom structure, theoretical framework, and interpersonal…

An increasing awareness of environmental issues and the implementation of environmental programs internationally has spurred a greater need for environmental education and training in many countries. This document is the first in a series of papers that will examine and provide insights into available national training programs for environmental…

Developing more effective conceptions of the high school may require radically reducing its size. In today's big high schools, size ensures that control of students is a primary concern and prevents the development of a collegial atmosphere among teachers. Although research provides ample evidence of the superior social climates of small informal…

This study was conducted to explore the impact of several aspects of self-efficacy expectations in relation to the vocational considerations of high school students. Career self-efficacy expectations and decision making by male (N=132) and female (N=92) high school students in general education (N=108), special education (N=41), and an alternative…

This volume contains a collection of essays, reflections, and other writings (many of which originally appeared in several journals) on the relations among self and school and community. The first selection is an obituary of Fritz Perls, a leader of Gestalt therapy. The second essay, "A Social and Political Reassessment of the Work of Wilhelm…

To date, eight states (Minnesota, California, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, and Wisconsin) have passed some type of charter school legislation. This report provides information on activities and legislation in these states regarding charter school formation, including the roles played by individual teachers and others as…

This publication describes the issues pertinent to year-round education (YRE). YRE addresses two key problems: (1) making efficient use of current school facilities; and (2) maximizing student learning outcomes. The various forms for implementing YRE at the local level--pilot schools, schools-within-a-school, plan-within-a-plan, and paired and…

At the recommendation of Congress, the U.S. Department of Education is sponsoring a National Study of Charter Schools. This document is summary of the second-year report of this study. The second-year report presents information about charter schools for the 1996-97 school year and is based on a telephone survey designed to collect data from all…