Optional alternative public schools have been developed as an expression of the democratic ideal of individual choice. Alternative systems offer the opportunity for individuated instruction, contact with the "real world" community, and community control of educational decision-making. However, reforms in the last few decades have encouraged…

This guide examines the elements of the open space concept and offers insight and suggestions as to how to employ this process in the classroom. These elements are outlined as follows: (a) objectives--primarily to develop self-respecting, self-directing, autonomous individuals; (b) knowledge and method--with emphasis on cognitive or thinking…

A study was made of the market need for cable television-based higher education from an off-campus and non-traditional point of view. State University of Nebraska (SUN) is such an endeavor. Reduced to its essence, SUN is three things: (1) an extensive investigation into non-traditional education; (2) a new exportable model for systematized design…

Nontraditional higher education is a movement toward increasing the options open to an individual in the pursuit of post secondary education. Its major emphasis is in recognition of individual differences and making institutions more flexible in response to them. This paper describes many programs and proposals throughout the country, giving…

A lead article, "Alternative Schools: Agents for Change," written by three SSEC teacher associates, describes general characteristics of the schools and focuses upon information and generalizations about options for conventional schools based on visits, talks, and correspondence with individuals in traditional as well as alternative schools.…

Discusses arguements for, but basically against, both open space classrooms and open education. Reviews studies which reveal that students in a traditional setting and program demonstrate higher basic and creative skills and reveal less anxiety than do those in a nontraditional setting. (KC)

The features of the Open University in England and the reasons for its success are discussed. American interest in Open University, its cost-effectiveness, U.S. applicability, and its future are described. (Author/MLW)

A tool based on Bloom and Krathwohl's "Taxonomy of Educational Objectives," the Examination Profile, is presented for use in planning and evaluative information. Data using the Examination Profile and evaluating the divisional examination system at Hampshire College are provided. (Editor/LBH)

Analysis of bureaucratic structure and the incentive systems of the public schools reveals access points for enhancing the school's ability to adopt and implement innovative education. Research and development coordinated to those points can provide a greater diversity of educational possibilities, assuming such diversity to be a positive…

Reviews and provides capsule summaries of books recommended for board members or school administrators. (JF)

Discusses the need to develop new ways of delivering education to students as well as new materials for instruction. (Author/RK)

Looks at the evolution of open education in the United States. Focuses on the organizational changes that have been made to allow for open education. (DN)

Teachers and their students in the small British open schools resemble a family. The goals are carefully conceived and directed but may be carried out on an impromptu basis to meet the students' unique needs. (Author/MLF)

Adult education should be a resource-kit, refreshment, retrainer, revitalizing agent upon which citizens may call. For some, it will have instrumental purposes for individual improvement like new jobs or social change through community action. University adult education has the role of influencing the realization of creative human potential. (MLW)

Open education offers much more flexibility for mainstreaming than the traditional approach; open classrooms are designed to accommodate children in their individuality. Making adaptations is not upsetting to open classrooms. If children must go to special classes, the open school tendency toward community blurs boundaries between special and…