People often think that power only flows downhill in school. The author draws on his own research observations, as well as the philosophy of Michel Foucault, to offer more nuanced insights. He explains that power is not a "thing" people can possess and that it flows in multiple directions, forming a web of influence. These insights…

A response to Nathan and Kohl's article in the same issue. States that the three authors are in basic agreement about public alternative schools, but may have differing approaches to history. (Author/WD)

The authors take issue with Mary Anne Raywid's article on public alternative schools in the April 1981 "Kappan." Specifically, they address the "myths" concerning student veto power, evaluation, impetus for developing alternative schools, and the effects of federal money. (WD)

Before "unstructuring" or "restructuring," a school or district or state should think first about students, adopt successful learning as the criterion for judging the appropriateness of all daily activities, expect all adults to be successful learners, and identify the rules, roles, and relationships (the social structure) needed to support…