This report highlights findings from the 1998 Minnesota Student Survey, administered to 3,791 voluntary participants, comparing students in alternative school settings with those in public schools. Alternative schools and area learning centers are high school diploma granting programs designed for students who are behind in their work, have…

This book seeks to provide educators, parents, employers, and communities with specific strategies to help teenagers pinpoint the disparity between their preconceived career notions and aspirations, and the realities of the new economic and labor markets. This book advocates helping students develop a plan for career success, which may or may not…

This report details findings from visits to 15 small schools associated with Human Scale Education. These schools are all different, reflecting the priorities of their founders. But there are features common to all of them--parental involvement, democratic processes, environmentally sustainable values, spiritual values, links with the local…

Although Chinese officials have optimistically declared their faith in the potential of educational television instruction to present a cost-effective alternative to traditional schooling, it remains to be seen if the Chinese experience is more satisfactory than that of other Third World countries, whose success in this area has been limited.…

Student personnel workers hold a key to quality education in the decade ahead. They are the link between supply and demand. By helping students become more sophisticated consumers of educational services and help-education, they respond to student needs. The concept of lifelong learning requires changes in traditional education. (JAC)

Describes the organizational, managerial and instructional characteristics of an urban school that worked effectively with problem students. Examined and discussed are the specific practices, procedures, programs, and behavioral patterns implemented by the school as well as results. (Author/JLF)

The author puts forward a whole range of new approaches to coping with the teacher surplus and using vacant college classrooms that would benefit both colleges of education and school boards. (Editor)

The educational challenges and possibilities for broadcast media in the Open University are surveyed. Decisions about broadcast components were made in the 1960s when there was abundant unused air time. Developments in cassettes may lead to a greater independence for students in controlling their own patterns of learning. (Author/MLW)

The Open University Younger Student Pilot Scheme, a five-year research project is discussed. Project objectives included: testing the suitability of students in the 18 to 20 year age group, developing predictive indices of success and failure, and assessing the level and nature of the demand for places. (Author/MLW)

Two studies contrasted formal and informal teaching practices in open-plan and conventional classrooms, focusing on grouping patterns and pupil choice as discriminative components of teaching style. (BW)

Describes a study in which kindergarten and first-grade students discussed the subject of shadows. Two students became teacher/leaders, and the rest asked questions for clarification or gave input. The classroom teacher modeled questioning and communication skills all year. The goal was to empower students to have a role in their own education.…

Examines the work and philosophy of Harry Lowerison, a turn-of-the-century London teacher and socialist. Specifically, recounts his development of the Ruskin School Home, an experimental and communal school for boys and girls. Discusses the school's policies, curriculum, admission requirements, and educational philosophy. Reprints handbills and…

Discusses the dilemma of losing concerned parents as advocates for better public schools when they choose alternative schools, the pros and cons of vouchers, and the free market's effect on public education. A discussion of Mr. Rogers, Dr. Spock, Sesame Street, and various nuns and monks highlights characteristics that are valuable in working with…

Discusses the advantages and problems of multi-year instruction or "looping." Looping improves relationships, increases student achievement, strengthens school-home partnerships, increases parental support, promotes discipline, and increases academic time. Briefly describes Tolland Middle School's implementation of multi-year…

Describes the Consortium for Distance University, founded in 1984 to establish a distance teaching university system in Italy. The Consortium is comprised of multinational companies, universities, and semi-governmental organizations with support from the Italian Ministry of Education. Discusses its objectives, services, history, learning…