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…

These 17 curriculum studies by faculty members of San Joaquin Delta Junior College were funded under Title III of The Higher Education Act of 1965. They were intended to help initiate new courses, improve existing ones, or plan for future ones. Each project report gave its objective(s), the general methods for its development and completion, the…

This paper looks at the development and practice of an extracurricular "free university" on the University Park campus of the Pennsylvania State University. (Author)

Secondary Dept. Session (1st)

Many private colleges, suffering from enrollment problems, are innovating academic programs in an attempt to provide superior alternatives to public education. Describes three such experimental programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, and Austin College in Texas. (JR)

An alternative proposal to the reduction of the medical school curriculum from 4 to 3 years. (HS)

Briefly describes the curriculum at Hampshire College, an experimental school that has attempted to restructure liberal education. (Author/PG)

This catalog of Evergreen State College, a college in Olympia, Washington that first opened its doors to students in September 1971, presents an overview of the unique academic program offered at the college. Information is given on courses offered in the past, information concerning supporting services, policies and procedures to be followed in…

The Experimental College in California as defined in this report is (1) esentially an extension of the regular faculty-proposed curricula; (2) distinctly a student activity; or (3) a combination of these two. A 1968 report outlined in detail the structure of each Experimental College. This report only summarizes that aspect and updates the…

Both students and social scientists criticize the American educational system because (1) course content is not presented in a manner relevant to real-world situations and (2) course structures typically have characteristics that inhibit rather than promote individual motivation to learn. This case study describes a student-originated course…

This paper presents a model for developing and evaluating new educational programs in a large city school district. The model described was developed and partially field tested in the Phoenix Union High School System. It is intended to be simple enough not to stifle new ideas but detailed enough to provide smooth transition from the experimental…

The curriculum that is described in this paper was conceived as a means of developing rigorous scientific thinking in students and to develop a cognitive style that would enable students to use the theory and content of science in imaginative ways while caring for patients. (Authors)

Discusses theories and innovations that have developed the content of industrial arts on the secondary school level. Program name, program administrator, and his address are given for 26 innovative programs. (GB)

In this presentation, three approaches for involving teachers in curriculum planning are described, including the interdisciplinary team approach, the total district approach, and the total faculty approach. Each of these approaches is illustrated with "snapshot" descriptions of promising practices from Colorado, Arizona, and Illinois.…

The bulletin of Empire State College, New York's non-residential college, describes the organization of the decentralized college, its educational philosophy and innovative educational program. The College's plan calls for a network of regional learning centers located within reasonable commuting distance for most New York state residents.…