Views the current upsurge of nontraditionalism as a reaction to the loss of individuality in political, social, economic, and even religious areas. Examines the flaws and dangers that lie hidden in a nontraditional movement, particularly in the field of education, and finds that flexibility and individualized learning are some of its positive…

Americans must devise ways to achieve some better educational goal in which each student's maximal development is reached and no one is excluded from getting a higher education. (IR)

Describes an adapter program, currently operational at the State University of New York's Urban Center in Manhattan, which prepares people with vocational, general and high school equivalency diplomas to enter college and survive without further assistance. (Author/CJ)

Discussion of factors affecting admissions and an expansion of opportunities to attend college. (IR)

Community colleges have substantially different testing needs from four-year colleges. Since almost all community colleges are open-door institutions, tests are used less for admissions purposes than for placement, guidance, and awarding of credit. (Author)

Discusses applying psychological principles to modify behavior of open enrollment students in introductory psychology courses. Open enrollment students frequently are inadequately socialized in the requirements of the student role, lacking in study skills, and poorly motivated to achieve academically. Procedures are integrated into the formal…

In the United Kingdom the number of parents appealing rejection of their preference for their child's school has risen considerably. Suggests dissatisfaction with the new market-based system. Possible causes are discussed. (Contains 2 tables, 7 figures, and 23 references.) (MLF)

Notes difficulties encountered teaching history in an open university. Describes methodology used in a twentieth-century history course, combining current events with the course content. Using a major continuing news story as the basis for a semester project, students are asked to consider multiple scenarios and to predict outcomes of current…

Choice can potentially transform schooling if it is properly understood, carefully thought through, and implemented in stages. Genuine diversity means offering parents and students a range of educational options from preschool through high school. However, the U.S. currently spends more on one Stealth bomber than on all magnet school programs.…

Responding to Joe Nathan's praise of Minnesota's school choice programs in the same "Kappan" issue, this article cites teacher opinion poll deficiencies; mistaken correlations involving open enrollment, rural district cooperation, and enabling state legislation; and insufficient program implementation and evaluation data. The hidden…

Arguments for and against school choice are presented. Claims on both sides often obscure the complexities, dilemmas, and tradeoffs involved. If diversity and choice become ends in themselves, if choice is not coupled with fundamental reform and the quest for excellence, the choices may be empty ones. (Author/VM)

Discusses prospects for City University of New York in light of its recent decision to end both open admissions and remedial programs. Quotes the school's chancellor who wants to restore the school's earlier reputation for high quality general education, professional schools, and Ph.D. programs. Also notes administrative and funding concerns. (DB)