The purpose of this discussion is to state the case for an important alternative educational model and examines the potential for developing necessary revitalization of the educational system. (Author/RK)

Describes the establishment and operation of adult Individual Learning Centres in New South Wales (Australia) colleges to provide a flexible alternative to existing college preparatory courses. The Centres include alternative instructional methods, individual study, self-instructional materials, open entry/exit arrangements, and teacher tutoring.…

A sweeping parental choice bill passed recently in Minnesota spearheaded parental choice plans recently passed or under consideration in more than a dozen states. Explores the background and pros and cons of parental choice. (MLF)

Many school districts and states are examining parental choice as a means of improving public education. This document identifies various forms of school choice and describes existing programs across the United States. Within the public school system, choice programs fall into two basic categories--intra-district and cross-district. Intra-district…

The report attempts to summarize and update the desegregation activities required by the settlement of the Mona Bronson vs. the Cincinnati Board of Education litigation in 1984. It is meant to serve as both an historic documentation of the efforts of the school district to fulfill the stipulations of the settlement and as an evaluation of the…

The Bronson Settlement is a court ordered desegregation plan handed down in 1984 for the public schools of Cincinnati, Ohio. During the first three years of the plan the school system has undergone major changes in its leadership. This annual report for 1986-1987 evaluates the progress of the settlement and calls for the maximization of efforts to…

Open enrollment is a concept concerned with a student's access to schools. In general, it reflects the possibility of parents exercising choice when enrolling children in schools. In East Hartford, parents may seek permission to transfer a youngster to a different school if that school has space for him; however, the parent must provide the…

Experience at Evergreen has shown that it is possible to make interdisciplinary programs work well and to do so at an undergraduate, open-admission, liberal arts state college. About one-third of the students are enrolled in a full-time interdisciplinary program of 40 to 90 students, staffed by two to five faculty members. (Editor/LBH)

During the 1984-1985 school year, a pilot dropout outreach program was instituted by the Los Angeles (California) Unified School District's Division of Adult and Occupational Education in cooperation with the senior high schools division. Dropouts from the 1983-1984 school year were identified and were sent personal letters inviting them to return…

El Camino's first year as a fundamental high school is described. Students wanting to attend El Camino had to apply and agree to the new fundamental emphasis and school rules. As a result, the composition of El Camino's student body changed to one representing all ability levels. Other major changes at El Camino were: (1) academic emphasis was…

An analysis of developments at the Open University since 1973 indicates that there has been little reduction in average cost in real terms and that no improvement is likely on known developments to 1979. Reasons for this are explored, and suggestions for improving the situation are offered. (Editor/LBH)

This report examines what has happened since 1985 with four statewide Minnesota public school choice laws. These include open enrollment, postsecondary enrollment options, second chance options, and charter public schools. Data collected over 2 years via interviews with and surveys of key stakeholders, including students at postsecondary…

One of the most controversial issues in contemporary education policy--school choice--plays a prominent part in the newly revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA 2001) legislation. In fact, ESEA 2001 provides support for public school choice through a number of provisions, including the Innovative Programs, Public Charter Schools…

Descriptive information on open enrollment/choice programs in a variety of states is provided in this report. Following an introduction, key program components are discussed, which include transportation, information, and funding issues; state guidelines for student acceptance; and athletic recruiting. Private school issues are examined in the…

This document provides a summary of school-reform actions taken by each of the 50 states and Puerto Rico as of February 12, 1996. Reform refers to four broad categories--school choice, services that are contracted out to private entities, deregulation or decentralization (for example, charter schools), and accountability through strong academic…