TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROLOGUE: Summerhill

PART ONE - WHAT IS WRONG WITH PUBLIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA?

A Nation At Risk?

Excellence, Mediocrity, or Both?

The Mission of Public Education

Motivation and Learning: Lack of Interest/Improper Placement/Mediocre Instruction/A Narrow Focus on Vocational Goals/A Rigid, Authoritarian Environment

Our Nation's Children At Risk

Societal Influences

Altering Students' Perception of Learning

PART TWO - MEANINGFUL CHOICES FOR STUDENTS (AND PARENTS)

Reform Proposals: Reduce the Number of Required Classes Within the Typical High School Curriculum and Minimize the Number of Standards and Objectives Within Courses

Reform Proposal: Award Different Types of Diplomas or Certificates to Accurately Represent Different Levels of Achievement

Reform Proposal: Allow Students to Select Their Teachers

Reform Proposal: Allow Students (With the Consent of Their Parents) to Elect Not to Be Graded

Reform Proposal: Concentrate Academic Instruction in a Three-hour Block

Reform Proposal: Allow Students to Attend School Full- or Part-time, Days, Evenings, or Week-ends

Reform Proposal: Repeal Compulsory Attendance Laws

Reform Proposal: Remove the Upper Age Limits on Attending Public Schools Free of Charge

Reform Proposal: Remove the Lower Age Limits on Attending Public Schools Free of Charge

Reform Proposal: Allow Students to Attend Any Publicly Funded School in the State in Which They Live

PART THREE - IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION

Reform Proposal: Increase Pay for Teachers

Reform Proposal: Make More Effective Use of Technology and Existing Staff

Reform Proposal: Improve Working Conditions for Teachers

Reform Proposal: Develop a More Comprehensive Evaluation System for Teachers

Reform Proposal: Use Pre- and Post-Test Data Properly to Compare Teachers, Programs, and Schools

PART FOUR - PROPER PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS

Reform Proposal: Use Standardized Test Scores As Part of the Process of Determining Grades

Reform Proposal: Utilize Reading Tests to Insure Proper Placement of Students

PART FIVE - SCHOOL GOVERNANCE

Reform Proposal: Govern Schools Individually and Democratically

CONCLUSION: It's Time for a Change