The problem of this study was to assess and compare selected student and environmental variables in seven open-area elementary schools carefully matched with seven traditionally-constructed elementary schools on eight different criteria. The hypotheses were formulated to carry out the following four purposes of the study: 1. To determine the differences between the achievement test scores in reading, language, and mathematics of students attending open-area elementary schools and scores of similar students attending traditionally-constructed elementary schools, as measured by the California Achievement Test and the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills administered in grades one, two, and three. 2. To determine if there was greater individualization of instruction in open-area elementary schools as measured by the Individualization of Instruction Inventory. 3. To determine if students attending open-area elementary schools evidenced a greater number of positive actions toward school, as indicated by attendance, number of acts of vandalism, and number of suspensions from school shown in official records of the school district.

The first purpose of this study is to determine whether significant differences exist among the perceptions of principals, librarians, and teachers with respect to the following categorical practices or conditions relative to the learning-center concept in open-space elementary schools: (1) teacher preparation for use of the learning center; (2) student preparation for use of the learning center; (3) learning center personnel and their role; (4) operation of the learning center; (5) facilities, materials, and equipment in the learning center; (6) use of the learning center for individualizing learning; and (7) use of the learning center for developing independent learning skills. The second purpose of this study is to determine whether a significant correlation exists among specific categories. The third purpose of this study is to establish the degree of emphasis placed upon various practices or conditions relative to the learning-center concept in open-space elementary schools of Texas.

The purpose of this study was to determine the various values that can be found in teachers of an open school system and how those values differed among various teacher groups within the school. The value systems (Tribalistic, Egocentric, Conformist, Manipulative, Sociocentric, and Existential) were based on the "Levels of Psychological Existence" developed by Clare W. Graves. A values test was utilized in order to collect data. The "Values for Teaching Test" was administered to 492 teachers and staff members of the school district. Specific hypotheses regarding value differences in selective teachers and staff groups were tested. The results were significant on the following levels-- existential, sociocentric, and conformist with relation to grade level taught, educational job profile, and sex of the respondent.

The aim of the pilot study is to measure changes of attitudes over a period of six months. It is claimed that parents new to a school have only hearsay as a basis for their opinions about the school's functioning and that this is often detrimental to the school. It is hypothesized that these opinions will change and reflect positive attitudes towards the school in relation to the amount of contact experienced. The recording of the survey begins by referring to the paucity of research material on the subject; it continues by describing the method of collecting data on initial opinions by means of interviews, questionnaires and a statements of opinions check sheet; it then analyses changes of opinion by comparing the data of the later August statements of opinions return with the earlier February one; and finally suggests reasons for change by analysing correlations of parental contact and increased positive attitude. The paper concludes with recommendations for further studies and parent education programmes.

No description available.

This paper investigates the origins of the Open Education movement in the United States and traces its development throughout the twentieth century. Pioneers of the movement are discussed, with an extensive description of John Dewey's work provided. Political and social forces which affected Open Education throughout the century are described. Finally, current trends in education are examined to determine whether Open Education remains in practice. Conclusions and implications for classroom practice are included.

By the spring of 1972 Beaverton School District had five open space schools in operation and three others under construction. These schools are built without separate, individual classrooms. Space is more flexible and can be used in a number of ways. Open space buildings provide the setting for a new kind of teaching and learning process. Within the Beaverton School District, the Department of Administrative Services was requested to provide information regarding the operation of the open space teaching and learning process. As a result a plan was developed for a descriptive study of some aspects of open space as practiced in the Beaverton School District. The study was begun in March, 1972 and will continue through June, 1973.This paper is an interim report; the final report will be written upon the completion of the study. The presentation will describe the theory of open space, the overall plan of the study, the research design, and the data which has been collected through June, 1973.

The problem of this study was to determine the relationship between experience in open-space and/or traditionally constructed elementary schools and teachers' attitudes toward open education. Statistical analysis of the data used to test the hypotheses resulted in the following findings. 1. Teachers who were currently teaching in traditionally constructed schools had significantly more positive attitudes toward open education than did teachers currently teaching in open-space schools. 2. Teachers who had taught only in traditionally constructed schools had significantly more positive attitudes toward open education than did teachers who had taught only in open-space schools. 3. Teachers who had taught in both open-space and traditionally-constructed schools had significantly more positive attitudes toward open education than did teachers who had taught only in open-space schools. 4. Teachers who had taught only in traditionally constructed schools had significantly more positive attitudes toward open education than did teachers who had taught in both open-space and traditionally-constructed schools. 5. Teachers who had taught ten years or more had significantly more positive attitudes toward open education than did teachers who had taught less than ten years.

This study focused on a single alternative school program with a strong outdoor component and featuring a theoretical and practical orientation very much concerned with personal relationships. Data were sought regarding this program with the intent of developing possible formats for alternative school programs. The case study approach was employed to gather and report data. It permitted the investigator to observe, interact, and record the multiple phenomena. The Theory of Personal Process was the framework utilized to observe the relationships between student and teacher. This theory was made up of five key words: (1) Contact, (2) Consult, (3) Find, (4) Share, and (5) Accompany. The study detailed the personal school relationships of the students and teacher. The investigator, as participant/observer, was the instructor of each of the five students. The investigator maintained records of interaction with the students. Furthermore, he had access to journals, term papers, and other written materials produced by the students. Each case study was presented as a specific phase of the alternative school. A specific student was described as he interacted with others in that phase of the program. The description of the student's relationship with the teacher was also correlated to the Theory of Personal Process. Optional formats for alternative school programs were developed from the case studies. The program featured the following phases: (1) Orientation, (2) Group, (3) Outdoor Experiences, (4) Classroom, (5) Creativity, and (6) Community. The key to the success of each phase was determined to be the relationship between the teacher and student. This relationship fostered a support basis for the student which, in turn, provided the necessary freedom to learn. The school was not so much an educational unit as it was a social unit, a "family."

The purpose of this project was to develop an open education kindergarten curriculum guide utilizing learning centers. This curriculum guide consists of a discussion of specific aspects of implementation of learning centers and a detailed analysis of twelve learning centers. Whether learning centers are implemented gradually, moderately, or totally, the following factors are essential to consider prior to implementation: physical environment, materials, classroom management, evaluation and record keeping, and parental involvement. The following learning centers are discussed in-depth with respect to goals, objectives, enabling activities, and materials and supplies: math, science, language arts, social studies, art, music, block building, dramatic play, sand and water, woodworking, cooking and sewing, and movement. Successful implementation of learning centers in kindergarten appears to be a result of the implementing teacher's attitude toward open education. The attitude of openness is vital in order to successfully develop and implement learning centers.