This article looks at the characteristics necessary for optional programs to be truly "optional" and to succeed. (CD)

Encouraging young children to think themselves as writers helps them to achieve more in their life than one have ever imagined. When young students are given an open-ended ongoing invitation to write books, they build identities as writers around their daily work of composing texts and they also gain a sense of ownership and control over literacy.

This article discusses the "back to basics" movement and points out both its advantages and disadvantages. (CD)

Article gives origins of open education and predictions for a distinctly American version of open education. (GB)

Many of the reforms embodied in the processes of open education have failed because they are grounded in the contemporary-relativistic world view, which is alien and threatening to most teachers, and because they often were installed without concern for teachers' attitudes or commitment to the reforms. (Author/JG)

Three brain-research principles--emotional safety, appropriate challenge, and self-constructed meaning--find a one-size-fits-all approach to classroom teaching ineffective for most students. A child needing an open learning environment will feel intimidated by a controlling teacher. Differentiated classrooms are responsive to students' varying…

The author argues that a single major model of curriculum development dominates educators. (GW)

This is a review of research comparing open plan schools to self contained classrooms. (RC)

Direct instruction is more effective for some purposes and students than for others. The approach used should depend on the type of student and the teacher's objectives. (Author)

Rooted in the turbulent 1960s, Woodlawn School in Arlington, Virginia is an alternative program serving 500 college-bound students in grades 6-12. Students mingle freely with kids from their own home schools, from which they ultimately receive their diplomas. In 1996-97, the school scored higher on the Stanford-9 Achievement tests than the…

What appears to be new conceptions in education may really be a new package with a new name, containing the same old product. (Author/MB)

The author of "The Discipline of Hope" (1998) values environments that foster a sense of belonging and love of learning. Besides engaging students' imagination, teachers must convince students that they are people of worth who can accomplish something in a difficult world. Children must remain hopeful, and adults must not abandon public…

Describes informal British schools and explains the reason for the great interest among American teachers, administrators, and parents in these informal primary schools. (DR)

The Center for Open Education sends consultants to schools to work on-site with teachers; all personnel of the school are involved in planning inservice programs based on school needs; and through affiliation with the University of Connecticut, credit courses are available to participating teachers. (JD)