Ten essays are presented that consider a number of philosophical and technical issues associated with an emerging curriculum strategy known as competency-based education. Among them are: The debate over the relevance of liberal versus practical subjects; faculty renewal; the impact of reform on the student; the validation of excellence; and the…

The primary purpose of this practicum was to investigate, identify, record, recommend, and test resolutions to the problem of educational/community resistance to alternative education in general and, more specifically, to identify and resolve as many of the educational/community resistance phenomena and facts as surround Nova High School. Problem…

For the purpose of this report, special service is defined as time and attention provided by personnel external to the classroom as a supplement to classroom activities. Two categories of services emerge from this definition. First are special services designed for the high need student. Second are special services that, although they may…

Six selected nontraditional approaches to curriculum at the University of Minnesota, each leading to a baccalaureate degree, are described. The programs are designed to provide flexibility to students enrolled in the university or to extend a university education to people not otherwise served. Each involves individual student selection of work to…

Before establishing alternative programs, administrators should investigate if the need is being generated by the incompetence or misuse of existing personnel, or if the existing program can be modified to fulfill the unmet needs. Alternative programs are ways of diversifying the means to common ends. Suggested ground rules for establishing…

Interviews with several individuals representing a variety of viewpoints about the recent controversy regarding textbooks and philosophy in the Kanawha County, West Virginia, public schools are presented in this transcript of a National Public Radio program broadcast in December 1974. Beginning with a discussion of the issue of textbook selection…

This paper analyzes responses to questionnaires distributed to all teachers in the Alum Rock School District in the fall of 1972 and the spring of 1973. Major focus of the analysis is on the two-part question, (1) How do the experiences of teachers in voucher schools differ from the experiences of teachers in other schools? and (2) How do these…

This Working Note documents the first year's events and outcomes in developing the budgeting system and resource allocation rules to support the Education Voucher Demonstration. The district now has systems for per pupil resource allocation and school/minischool cost center accounting. The basic voucher of $1,041 for grades 7-8, and $788 for…

An overview of the planning and implementation problems based on the program in Butler, Pennsylvania, presents a wide range of topics concerning year-round education. concept. Questionnaires, data presentations, and planning suggestions present the implementation process. Using a question-and-answer style, many typical problems and concerns of…

The conference program included four alternative schools which are really unique in that each of the four schools operates with the expressed approval of the board of education or school committee in its particular community and each receives some portion of its support, both financial and moral, from the same board of education or school…

This document is part of a series dealing with nonformal education. Introductory information is included in document SO 008 058. The focus of this report is on the learning effectiveness of nonformal education. Chapter 1 compares effective learning in a formal and nonformal environment. Chapter 2 develops a systems model for designers of learning…

This is an extensive bibliography, with some brief annotations, of recent literature describing possible alternatives to the traditional form of American public elementary and secondary education. (JG)

This paper argues for an educational orientation to American studies in high school that contributes toward individual growth and a sense of compassion toward humanity. According to the author, conventional schooling is a process of training youth to fit into out society by internalizing the accepted behavior and attitudinal norms. The student…

Within the last 10 years, attention has been directed toward discovering and solving the unique needs and problems of Texas' minority group students. This bulletin briefly describes 16 programs, in operation in school districts throughout the State, which are effectively serving these students. Selected because they are representative of the…

In an attempt to make basic social science education more responsive to the needs of students in a rapidly changing society, the authors developed and conducted an experimental course entitled "Economics and Politics in a Changing Society" (EPICS). The goals of this course include improvement in thinking ability and creativeness, progress in…