The panel provides an overview of the factors most influential in shaping the American high school as it exists today and recommends (1) replacing the comprehensive high school and providing comprehensive education; (2) establishing participatory education involving adolescents and other interested adults in the community; (3) establishing small,…

Describes a building trades program operating since 1971 for handicapped students in Fairfax County, Virginia, which provides construction work experience training under actual working conditions, and offers advice to vocational education teachers in adjusting programs for handicapped students. (MF)

According to a study at the University of Wisconsin, the General Educational Development (GED) credential does not insure that students are prepared for college. The GED does not help identify those who will succeed in college. To raise the level of the equivalency certificate, GED preparations should focus on reading, writing, and mathematics.…

Points out problems of access to schooling in Zambia, especially at the primary and secondary levels and discusses existing types of alternative schooling such as night schools and supervised study groups. Argues that recent private school initiatives are not providing educational opportunities except for a few wealthy urban families. (JHZ)

Describes a survey of 356 adult students enrolled in university-level courses at the Open Learning Institute which was conducted to assess the predictive validity of Tinto's theoretical model of student dropout. It was found that, overall, the Tinto model appears to be a useful framework for such investigations. (Author/LRW)

Open learning is an integrated and systematic set of teaching, learning, and assessment procedures openly accessible to those willing and able to benefit from such a study; it involves elements of distance and independent study. How to design such a course is discussed. (RM)

Focuses on two philosophical views of reading, the traditional ("bottom-up") view and an alternative ("interactive") view, along with the implications they hold for shaping reading instructional programs. The differences these two views make in decisions that shape the reading program are illustrated in a kindergarten and…

A case study on the effects of Proposition 13 on California higher education is described. Community colleges had to temporarily reduce some of their programs, and the control for community colleges has been shifted to the state. The four-year colleges have been affected by substantial increase in student fees. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the history of schools of choice and their place within the current school reform efforts and Excellence Movement. Asserts that choice is an effective strategy for holding schools accountable for improving conditions for teachers and students and for paving the way for innovation. (CR)

A collaboration between an urban antipoverty agency, Action for Boston Community Development, and a private higher education institution, Lesley College, is described. A bachelor's degree program for adults associated with human service agencies is provided. (Author/MLW)

Describes a variety of English as a second language programs currently available in Canada that offer language training in situations other than the traditional classroom--specifically for those studying in isolation. These programs include: bilingual telephone programs, all-English radio programs, and a four-phase, interprovincial project which…

Discusses the professional portfolio as (1) evidence of knowledge and skills gained through prior learning and experience; (2) a placement tool for faculty, and (3) useful in a student's program planning. Describes the concept and development of the portfolio's narrative and documentation sections. Also rates the portfolio's advantages and…

Unanswered questions about the development and administration of distance education as a solution to educational needs in developing nations are discussed, including program articulation, meeting different cultural needs and circumstances, and appropriate curriculum. (MSE)

This paper is a report on a study of the effect of charter schools on both students attending them and students in neighboring public schools in Michigan. Using school-level data from Michigan's standardized testing program, the study compared changes in tests scores between charter and public school students. The data included annual math and…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a combination of three factors: (1) a reduced student teacher ratio (class size education); (2) a mentorship program and (3) a varied curriculum, via use of the multiple intelligences would successfully improve secondary at risk youths' high school graduation rates. The graduation rate and GED…