This digest identifies seven essential elements of effective programs for students in alternative programs because they have dropped out, are at risk for dropping out, or have behavior disorders that require special education outside the general education setting. Such alternative programs offer flexible curricula that can address the unique…

In 1996, North Carolina began a 5-year evaluation of Alternative Learning Programs (ALPs). This report describes selected outcomes for students who participated in ALPs during 1995-96. These outcomes include performance on North Carolina End-of-Grade tests (elementary school) and performance on the End-of-Course(EOC) tests (high school) for…

Despite the ever-increasing number of higher education institutions offering online courses, there are still a lot of controversial debates and a strong sense of confusion about how well the concept of Web-based distance learning is being implemented. This paper summarizes the 10 primary steps toward the assessment, planning, design,…

The article discusses the development of an "alternative school" in an urban school system for students having trouble in the regular secondary setting. The program was based upon "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" and is described in detail. The initial assessment of the program produced very positive results.

Offers some aims for education at the university level for older adults with a view of knowledge and practice in the field. Research findings from life-span developmental studies on the cognitive, personality, and motivational characteristics of older people are discussed along with suggestions for planning academic programs. (Author/JAC)

College academy in Massachusetts, a summer program for academically talented youngsters in grades four through eight was designed by parents of a bright child. The academy offers nontraditional, intellectually challenging courses that unite brains and hands (e.g., typing, cartooning), as well as courses such as mime and drama and computer…

Describes three methods for offering practical work for external science courses: residential sessions on campus, local centers, and use of home laboratory kits. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed and examples of each in operation are given. A 21-item bibliography is provided. (EAO)

Describes the origins and characteristics of Deep Springs College (DSC), which since 1917 has teamed liberal arts instruction with the physical labor of running a cattle ranch. Uses alumni survey responses to assess the long-term effects of attending DSC. Examines paradoxes inherent in the school and its future prospects. (DMM)

A critical analysis of a university dental school's 10-year experience with a self-instructional basic sciences curriculum is presented, focusing on development of the curriculum, positive and negative effects on students and faculty, materials and format used, costs, and other administrative considerations. (Author/MSE)

The need exists to develop new procedures in the admissions process that allow experientially based undergraduate programs to present their students' academic ability in a manner that is useful for the graduate deans and faculty who select graduate school applicants. (MLW)

Nontraditional study has had to adapt to an inherently antithetical structure of credits and degrees--one based on time serving rather than demonstrated competence. Besides being associated with specified fields of study, credits could better be differentiated by specific areas of intellectual content, type of activity, and level of performance.…

The transcripts of 154 adult graduates of a nontraditional Bachelor of Arts program were compared to those of 103 adults who became inactive. The results indicate that both the background of the adult learner and the type of courses chosen for degree completion are predictors of success. (Author/MLW)

Explores problems faced by the community junior college, including inflation, rising enrollments, expanding services, and open admissions; transfer policies from secondary and to university levels; faculty qualifications; management and accountability. Major trends are increased nontraditional students, alternate educational forms, decreased…

A description is given of an experimental program at Loretto Heights College which is designed for adult learners who are considering a return to school. It is concluded that the changing nature of adult's lives and their growth and development cycles offer a powerful base for quality adult education programs. (JSR)

The process is described by which Aquinas College developed a series of seminars for adults into an ongoing "college." Problems of recruitment and fund raising are discussed, but the program is judged as successful based on the response of students. (JSR)