This article describes Dorothy Fadiman's prize-winning film "Why Do These Kids Love School?" as a documentary with many powerful lessons to teach. Inspired by her own daughter's joyous experiences at school, Fadiman filmed classroom activities at a progressive Menlo Park (California) school and eight other schools across the country that…

The intent of charter schools is to become autonomous entities, free from the laws constraining public schools but accountable for student outcomes. This article describes the development of two very different charter schools in the Jefferson County (Colorado) School District. Although one is an "old-fashioned" alternative school and the…

Describes the origins of alternative schools within U. S. public school systems and the reasons for their rapid proliferation. (Author/WD)

The Project on Alternatives in Education (1981) on North American alternative schools shows the movement's steady growth, high staff morale and control, and attendance. Factors contributing to success: smallness, choice, extended roles, relative autonomy, continuing evaluation, and teacher participation. Teacher/student relationship and positive…