Increasingly, educational reform is linked to the concept of professional learning communities (PLCs). Definitions of PLCs vary, but generally the concept refers to a group of educators who "continuously seek and share learning, and act on their learning" (Hord 1997, 6). Stoll and her colleagues, concluding their review of the current state of…

This publication presents a brief summary description of an experimental dropout prevention program developed at McClymonds High School in Oakland, California. The program described is Project MACK (More Advanced Careers and Knowledge), a four-year program funded under ESEA Title VIII that operated from the 1971-72 school year through the 1974-75…

This publication discusses plans for an experimental "middenschool" program, which is being considered for adoption in the Netherlands. The middenschool program would extend the period of basic education beyond primary school into the first stage of secondary school, serving students in the 12-16 or 11-15 age bracket. This booklet…

The Soloworks project is based on the belief that student-controlled computing is a promising innovation in secondary mathematics instruction. The Soloworks project is following up three years of experience in the Pittsburgh public school system with a new program encorporating both student-controlled computing and modern math curricula. The work…

Describes an experimental project to infuse performing arts into the curriculum of a North Yorkshire residential school for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed boys, 11-16. The project involved artists in applying the Royal Opera House model, in which children take responsibility for the creation of their own musical production. (SK)

Relates early attempts to use experimental methods, including testing, for identifying gifted students in German schools before 1930. Suggests that these attempts failed due to insufficient training, the passivity of the majority of teachers, lack of support within the administration, and the conservative interests of both teachers and parents.…

This paper examines the anticipated advantages and disadvantages of a proposed trimester plan for a Birmingham (Alabama) high school. The proposed plan would maintain the usual length school year, simply dividing it into three "mesters", rather than the traditional two. The Birmingham trimester plan also would lengthen each class period…

Project MACK's major goal was to provide a comprehensive school program at McClymonds High School in Oakland, California that would reduce the dropout rate, improve student achievement, reduce absenteeism and class-cutting, and improve student attitudes toward school. Project components included 1) Career Cluster Program, which focused on work…

This publication discusses the increasing problem of student absenteeism and describes an experimental school attendance policy that was implemented at Napa (California) High School in 1975. The policy designates a maximum of 12 absences per semester as the maximum allowable for each student under normal circumstances; after 13 absences from any…

Describes the conflict resolution program, Resolving Conflict Creatively (RCCP), that was founded for violence-torn schools in New York City. RCCP encourages open discussion in a supportive atmosphere through curriculum support, professional training of parents and teachers, and student-led mediation. (JPS)

In the intensive Summerbridge program at San Francisco University High School, high potential middle school and high school students from minority groups work together to prepare for academic high schools. The teachers are high school and college students who serve as role models and learn to love teaching. (MSE)

The purpose of this practicum was to develop, implement, and evaluate a humanistic system for student registration and self-scheduling in a comprehensive high school. The author developed a model registration and scheduling system, which was introduced on an experimental basis in a Baltimore-area high school and then evaluated by staff members and…

This practicum report describes a year-long effort to reorganize a large urban junior high school according to the "house plan" concept, in which the school is organized administratively and geographically by grade level, rather than by academic department. The reorganization plan involved five major changes, including relocation of departments…

This report describes ten experiential education programs located throughout the United States. The principal objective of these programs is to improve the self-image of high school and college students through a series of challenging, adventuresome, and success-oriented outdoor experiences. Appreciation of outdoor science education, conservation…

Summarizes aspects of secondary education in Portugal including (1) the general comprehensive course; (2) elective courses; (3) the twelfth school year; (4) evening classes; and (5) technical/vocational courses. Describes the Minister of Education's plan to vitalize vocational education by providing more humanistic foundation. (DB)