We live in the information and the microelectronic age, where technological advancements become a major determinant of our lifestyle. Such advances in technology cannot possibly be made or sustained without concurrent advancement in management systems (5). The impact of computer technology on organizations and society is increasing as new…

Describing Poland's 1978 educational model based on what is termed the "open school" concept (a concept similar to what is known in the U.S. as community education), this document presents: (1) Data on the Polish People's Republic; (2) The Concept of an Open School; (3) The Role of School in the Transformation of the Rural Community and…

This is a collection of four papers presented at a symposium examining ways in which needs data might be used in decisions about materials development, instructional strategies, assessment strategies, and administrative practices. The issues raised are based on some preliminary experience at the University of Mid-America (UMA) in conducting and…

To examine the cultural context and theoretical basis of an educational system similar to the British infant school approach, this study undertook observation and analysis of a British middle school practicing what is called "informal education" (to differentiate it from other similar innovations such as open education, individualized…

Focusing on a two-year period, this informally written book describes the efforts of several rural elementary teachers to establish a writing center based on a unified language arts curriculum. The book relates the authors' background experiences, outlines the structure of the writing program, offers typical writing experiences and classroom…

A survey of the manpower who staff learning centers of the State University of Nebraska (SUN) is reported. Four learning centers in different geographical locations in the state--Scottsbluff, Kearney, Lincoln, and Omaha--are available to learners who enroll in SUN courses, or wish consultation and advice on educational opportunities to meet their…

The University of Mid-America's (UMA) goals and plans are reviewed in this evaluation planning paper. Several issues effecting the overall shape of external evaluation activities over a five-year period are described. Focus in this report is on UMA's philosophical orientation and future plans, the rationale for the open learning approach, UMA open…

The 1978 Summer Reading Institute, which served 58 Washington, D.C., elementary school children, is described in this paper. Major characteristics of the program model are first identified, along with elements that were added to the model in the preplanning stage. Numerous aspects of the program are then described, including the make-up of the…

A portrait of future North American society is painted, and the role of formal education within that society discussed. The importance of adaptability as a means to meet the needs of a changing society is stressed. Open education and an increased attention to cultural pluralism within the educational structure are encouraged, and a discussion of…

Articles from a conference on nontraditional education and state-level issues are presented. The first article by Frederic Jacobs and George B. Weathersby summarizes some of the major trends and policy issues regarding nontraditional education. Next Samuel B. Gould considers why states should support nontraditional education and what strategies…

This collection of 14 papers explores aspects of open education for middle level schools. The first paper challenges open educators to work for the reform of absurd and obsolete educational practices. The second discusses management of the open environment. The third investigates problems of linking learners and learning activities. Other papers…

Designed to help elementary school teachers who wish to "open" their classrooms, this learning module describes how the curriculum can be enhanced through the use of community resources (people, materials and places). The module provides information on the identification and utilization of these resources. The module is divided into four main…

The Middle Years Alternative program (MYA) designed for seventh and eighth graders, stresses such objectives as ungraded classes, informal assessment, personal goal setting, and parent and student participation. This evaluation report examined progress toward achieving MYA objectives, and tests two hypotheses implied in the literature: first, that…

This report describes the evolving activities of an educational intervention program which is composed of (1) a comprehensive early childhood program for children from infancy through age 6; (2) a subsequent elementary program offering continuity of developmental support; (3) day care services, including after-school activities for school-age…

Interviews were conducted with 27 teachers working in open space schools in Australia. The selection of interviewees was arranged to find those with both critical feelings of the deprivation of their traditional roles and the independence of the self-contained classroom and with enthusiasm for what others view as a major component of educational…