Examines the French distance-education system, discussing enrollment, administrative structure, types of instruction, and new technologies. Addresses educational problems, financial concerns, and prospects for new courses. (GEA)

Describes the planning of the Al-Quds Open University (Jordan) and the problems accompanying the plan's implementation. Discusses the rationale behind choosing of educational media and planning and designing courses. Addresses the need to collaborate with conventional educational institutions to provide higher education for the maximum number of…

Describes a project organized by the Organization of American States to address educational needs in the areas of formal education, teacher training, and non-formal education in South America and the Caribbean. Personnel and training are explained, and failures of the project due to cultural differences are discussed. (LRW)

The nine chapters of this theme issue show how, in diverse cultural settings, cooperative learning methods enhance learning and reduce frictions among learners. A second goal of these papers is to indicate how cooperative learning fits or doesn't fit in several societies. (SLD)

Discusses the origins and operation of The Manhattan New School, an alternative elementary school in New York City that opened in 1991, with a focus on the extensive staff development and literacy programs conducted by the school. (MDM)

Describes the school governance and student behavior policies at a private K-12 school in Massachusetts. Maintains that students, faculty, and staff have well-defined responsibilities. Provides recommendations for changes that would lead to enhanced student learning. (CFR)

Children learn in a variety of contexts and from a variety of teachers, including their peers. It can be stimulating for children to examine the learning process and identify their own learning milestones. Brief reviews of stories about family and outside lessons and an activities sampler are provided. (Author/AEF)

Reports on the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and its role in furthering the use of distance learning technology. Highlights include activities; telecommunications; educational media; training; planning and advice; strategic alliances and outlooks; public administration; student record/management system; institutional and material development; a…

Parents who are considering homeschooling their children should examine whether they are willing to engage in child-led learning, possess genuine humility and compassion, have the inner security to teach others freely, are themselves willing to learn, and possess patience. Discusses the rationale for and implications of homeschooling. (LP)

During the summer, selected students of Hawaiian ancestry who have completed seventh or eighth grade participate in a boarding program with outdoor activities such as pulling taro, star gazing, and camping. The activities eliminate walls of doubt and fear and nurture self-confidence, creativity, personal growth, leadership, and cultural awareness.…

Profiles four youth programs. The Southwest Key Program (Texas, Arizona, Puerto Rico) offers community alternatives to institutionalization for delinquent minority youth. New Directions holistically restructures the lives of Chicago gang members. The Bruce Guadalupe Community School (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is bilingual and mandates parental…

Begun in 1972 as an alternative for students with attendance problems, the ALPHA program is still flourishing. Now attended by at-risk and volunteer students, this Michigan alternative high school offers individually tailored learning opportunities. Students complete traditional graduation requirements via workshop classes, independent study,…

Examined educational attitudes of 168 students and their parents in the first year of a primary level multiage program. Found that although the majority of parents and students considered the experience positive, their principal concern was that older students did not appear to be sufficiently challenged academically, suggesting the need for…

Outlines what school administrators can do to increase their understanding of local dropout programs and to decrease dropping out. Suggestions include analyzing local data, instituting early tracking of potential at-risk students, creating alternative programs, reorganizing to improve school climate, and initiating new forms of student assessment.…

This article describes approaches used in a Purdue University (Indiana) nontraditional doctoral pharmacy program to meet the needs of students wishing minimal disruption of job and family. Focus is on program standards and cost issues such as the special tuition rate. Evaluation after the first semester indicates the program is achieving full cost…