Education Reference Guide: Exploring Alternative Education (PDF)

The volume begins with an essay by Sally A. Coppus that examines the relatively recent emergence of alternative
schooling in the United States. By taking a historical look at education, Coppus links the growing dissatisfaction with
government-controlled curricula to the increased presence and development of alternative programs. Matt Donnelly’s
article on Agricultural Education reviews the legislation that has made agricultural programs a staple of the public
school curriculum. As a result of the 1960s environmental movement, the interest and implementation of environmental
education programs have increased dramatically. While programs like naturalist teaching and Outdoor Adventure
Education (OAE) can provide a valuable and instructive alternative approach to teaching environmental sciences,
R.D. Merritt suggests that many such programs can be problematic and not very successful. Coppus then discusses
the influence of the American Heritage Education Foundation that seeks to teach fundamental American values such
as citizenship, democracy, and patriotism. She also reviews the benefits and criticisms of such an approach. Sandra
Myers concludes this section with a review of Alternative College Prep Programs, which work to increase students’
chances of attending college through internships and preparatory classes.