Hundreds of Kappan readers voiced approval of -- and doubts about -- Maurice Gibbons' proposal for new forms of transition to adulthood. (See related article, Kappan May 1974, p. 596.) (Editor)

Describes the stages that students go through when they are first introduced to self-directed learning and lists specific strategies teachers can use to help students through the crises. (IRT)

The Challenge education program for student teachers entails selecting and performing challenging tasks in six areas: cognitive development, logical inquiry, adventure, creativity, practical skill, and volunteer service. The program is credited with helping break down sex-role stereotypes, building a sense of accomplishment, and developing…

A successful challenge education program at a small private school is described. Students in grades 10 through 12 spend mornings on traditional academic subjects and afternoons on both guided and independent challenge projects. (MJL)

The technology revolution may accomplish what 10 years of education reform could not. Traditional preparation programs no longer allow teachers to maintain "sage" status since they cannot know as much as the Internet can make available to students. Teachers in cyberspace know computers are about relationships and independent learning.…

Describes the individualized program of Mountain Open High School which at first coincidentally resembed Maurice Gibbons'"Walkabout" concept and was subsequently more consciously shaped by theory. Students move through three phases culminating in challenging independent projects of practical use. (MJL)

This model alternative program incorporates the elements of individualized instruction programs developed through diagnostic/prescriptive techniques, experimentation with innovative teaching practices, and an emphasis on students' use of community resources. In the last 2 years, no students have chosen the option of a "Walkabout"…

The operation of a "Walkabout" program at a large urban magnet school is reviewed. After frequent exposure to supervised community experiences in regular humanities courses students may undertake independent, semester-long Walkabout projects, usually career-oriented. (MJL)

As applied at Lincoln Elementary School in Evansville (Indiana), the Teacher-Directed Inservice Education Program allowed teachers to direct their own learning by contracting for consultation during regular school hours to meet specific needs. The program meets seven guidelines suggested for effective inservice education, including administrator…

Presented are 15 ideas for projects which require gifted elementary or middle school students to study a topic in depth. Ideas are in an easy-to-use "reproduce, cut, and distribute" format. Ideas are intended to foster individual creativity and production and cover such topics as plantations, insects, stars, telephones, bridges, and space. (DB)

Describes an alternative career education program for high school seniors where independent study contracts send students into the community to explore careers and seek information as volunteer workers. (DW)

Realizing that education and human development institutions are part of a larger system of human learning and development points the way to strengthening the learning/development process, renewing institutional vitality along the way. (Author/IRT)

Highlights are offered of one district's 7 years of experience with a Walkabout program. Steps found to accelerate individual effectiveness among adolescents include building confidence, responsibility, attitude, and skills. These steps have also been appled to adults in seminars for teachers and administrators, a school improvement process, and…

Youth has first priority at Shawnee Mission Northwest in Kansas City. (Author)

Comments on educational reforms instituted at a Brooklyn high school including flexible modular scheduling, cyclical programing learning for mastery, and independent study. (JF)