This article describes a lateral entry certification program (LEP) which prepared 13 new math and science teachers for rural North Carolina schools. It also presents findings which indicate that LEP participants are as competent in school classrooms and as successful on National Teacher Examinations as traditionally prepared students. (IAH)

Defines "earth bonding" as dynamic interaction between individual and physical environment. Examines methods and goals of traditional environmental education. Describes development of five-day camping workshop for 11 outdoor education teachers. Describes how workshop facilitated earth bonding for teachers. Calls for further research in "bonding…

The reactions of the following people to the home school research in this issue are discussed: (1) a home school parent-teacher; (2) a home school organization leader and his son; and (3) a public school teacher. The respondents found the research a valuable lens through which to view their practice. (BJV)

Describes the first two years of an innovative telephone-assisted language program at Ohio State University. Administration and structure of this individualized instructional program are detailed. Student body profiles, including age, occupation, reason for enrollment, and tables of student performance according to language, number of units…

Describes the experience of a conservative, suburban school system making the change from traditional classroom instruction to more developmentally appropriate practices. Discusses the planning and implementation process, focusing particularly on the issues of skills acquisition, assessment, staff development, and parent involvement. (TJQ)

Evaluates the teaching and learning processes in a computer-supported first-year undergraduate course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey (England). Students saw the workshop delivery as being more interesting, effective, and efficient than lecture-based delivery; help from the tutor was seen as the most…

The Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program is an alternative public school in Rhode Island for middle school students who are in danger of dropping out. Success in the program is credited to collaboration among three school districts, strong community support, and school-based decision making. Offers tips to keep alternative schools from…

Describes six alternative assessment models presented in the Illinois Science Teachers Association's alternative assessment handbook designed primarily for teacher inservice sessions. Discusses teacher preparation for use of alternative assessment. (LZ)

The Free School (Albany, New York) was started for children who had experienced little success in public schools. The school advocates a number of therapeutic practices that encourage the healthy expression of emotions as well as the articulation and exploration of life's inevitable conflicts and problems. As children gain in self-esteem, they…

The principles of supplementary instruction (SI), a college-level student academic assistance program that increases academic performance and retention in traditionally difficult courses, are examined. Several aspects are discussed, including the role of proactive assistance, staffing, institutional awareness and support, and traditional and…

"The Systemic Initiative for Montana Mathematics and Science," based on a successful Dutch nontraditional curriculum, was used by a mathematics teacher to help ninth graders apply previously learned skills. Creative learning modules provided hands-on experience and helped students carry concrete knowledge to more abstract levels,…

Overviews special-education applications of distance education services in rural areas, including direct service programs for special education students, preservice personnel preparation programs, and inservice teacher training programs. Suggests that the use of distance education will continue to grow as telecommunications technologies become…

Seven chapters focus in giftedness in education and the role of creativity. A second major issue is the recognition that not all groups are equally well served by provisions for the gifted. The emphasis is on intellectual giftedness, reflecting the focus of most school systems. (SLD)

The distance education program offered by the University of Oklahoma was studied to determine the impact of telecommunications media upon learning outcomes. Comparison of the attitudes and achievement of students enrolled in the telecommunications course and a control group showed no differences in learning between the groups at any level. (18…

Discusses the impact on rural Australian schools of recent developments in distance education, including new communication technologies, changes in the concept of Distance Education Centres, the advent of open learning ("open" college courses delivered electronically by a consortium of universities), and interinstitutional networking.…