Traces the evolution of a radical educational experiment, the Dalton Plan, in suburban Scarsdale, New York in the 1920s. The plan consisted of individualized instruction by contract. Although many problems had to be worked out, student scores and college achievement were excellent. (KC)

This outline of the organizational structure for the new department of education lists propositions to guide the reorganization of educational research and innovation activities and discusses the potential functions of several new department offices. (RLV)

Presents a concise historical review of the use of satellites in education, including legislation, proposals, research, and descriptions of several working systems. Thirty-nine references are cited. (JEG)

Half of all adult education programs in Switzerland are conducted through Migros, the country's largest cooperative and largest private company. Migros' educational network principle specializes in teaching languages but also offers 174 subject areas as well as other activities and services. Some Migros adult education innovations are described.…

Traces the history of the English elective curriculum from its roots in the 1890s to its flowering in the 1960s. (DD)

Explores the implications of individual effort amidst education's bigness and the possibility of retrieving new instructional "ideas" from the bewildering sea of new research and publications. Teachers need to be continuously informed and consistently encouraged to employ their new knowledge creatively. (Author/BEF)

The Parallel Alternate Curriculum (PAC) for modifying course content for learning disabled secondary school students is described. The rationale for PAC and four options for the practical application of the program are reviewed. The eight steps in the development of PAC, such as identification of learning outcomes and evaluation of students for…

Presented is a report on the cost-effectiveness of an engineering economy course which is being taught by the personalized system of instruction method at the Montana State University. (BB)

Findings indicate that bottom-up (practice-based) educational innovations face the same kind of implementation challenges as top-down (theory-based) innovations. This article examines an educational innovation from its practice-based creation to its mandated implementation as public policy, presenting a case study of Advancement Via Individual…

Presents results from two skills surveys of Build a Book (BAB) classes in which students learn geometry by writing and editing their own textbook. Points out that this approach is reasonable and that students who had BAB classes in prior years could identify important areas of learning in addition to geometry. (ASK)

Responses from 150 of 650 marketing chairpersons surveyed about implementing new courses indicated that curriculum decisions are more market oriented when the source of the innovation is outside the department. Innovations from internal sources may be congruent with existing offerings rather than dynamically different. (SK)

Adult students (n=48) were enrolled in either an audiographics course requiring electronic mail use or one in which it was optional. Analysis of messages and interviews identified personal, institutional, and technical barriers to computer-mediated communication (CMC); benefits; moderator's role; accommodations for learning styles; and the value…

Training for staff and volunteers in nonprofit organizations varies widely in quality, validity, and relevance. Learning is frequently equated with courses, and 42% of voluntary organizations have no formal training budget. The voluntary sector's human resource investment appear to be in only some of the people, some of the time. (SK)

Explains the purpose of this column, inviting teachers to support one another in thinking carefully about the transition to new forms of literacy and learning brought about by rapid changes in information technology. Invites teachers to participate in the changing nature of literacy and learning. (SR)

Discusses some features of instructional approaches that promote meaningful learning. Focuses on creating an environment in which students can be mentally attentive. (DDR)