Available online
Description
This programme examines the reasons behind the establishing of an 'alternative High School' in Racine, Wisconsin.
This programme examines the reasons behind the establishing of an 'alternative High School' in Racine, Wisconsin.
| Module code and title: | E221, Decision making in British education systems |
|---|---|
| Item code: | E221; 06 |
| First transmission date: | 03-08-1974 |
| Published: | 1974 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:28 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Ken Little |
| Contributors: | Gerry Fowler; David Johnson; Jackson Palmer |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | 'Alternative' high school; Community groups; Project targets; Racine, Wisconsin; School board control |
| Footage description: | Introductory credits, with student reading poem. Fowler pinpoints the subject - the Alternative High School in Racine, Wisconsin; hopefully started to combat rate of drop out. Over shots of the High School, Fowler outlines the administration, structure etc. and questions how the whole idea may alter the school system. Shots of posters, pupils at AHS interposed with others of football practice at traditional high school. Fowler talks with the co-directors of the AHS, David Johnson and Jackson Palmer about the setting up of the AHS, and Richard Nelson, Racine Unified School District's head of administration, explains the reasoning behind the AHS, how many students will attend, what angle the teaching will be based on and how the community's funds for the AHS will be administered and controlled. Shots of students at the AHS. Fowler and Nelson explain how pupils, via parents, are enrolled, voluntarily. David Johnson talks of how little opposition was met by the project. And there is an example of a class in progress. Fowler asks the students what they think of the AHS, and its democratic structure. Johnson also explains how difficult if was for teachers as well to get out of traditional thinking in terms of grades, credits etc. Shots of students arranging posters on the floor. Fowler explains how classes are held, informally. Students are encouraged to do things they're interested in. The whole structure for internal government is based on A.J.Neill's Surnmerhill. Parker and Johnson elaborate the community aspect for the school and the town meeting style of government. Parents etc. are also involved. C.Richard Nelson explains the Financial situation hoping for Federal Funds. Finally Cameron Smith, head of the curriculum section, talks generally about the administrative problems. Future difficulties may arise between the traditional unified school district and the AHS. Community reaction to the project, like anything new, was a little suspicious. Sequence also includes rock and roll music from AHS group. Credits with more music from group and shots from AHS. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71081 |
| Production number: | 00525_6052 |
| Videofinder number: | 625 |
| Available to public: | no |
