AERO-GRAMME #13

The Alternative Education Resource Organization Newsletter

417 Roslyn Rd., Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 * ISSN # 10679219 

516 621-2195   FAX 516 625-3257  E mail:  jmintz@igc.apc.com  Autumn 1994

HANDBOOK HEADLINES NATIONAL ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION CONFERENCE IN KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The Iowa Association of Alternative Education invited Jerry Mintz to present the research he completed on alternative education schools and programs for the Alternative Education Handbook. at the International Alternative Education Conference on June 23, 1994, in Des Moines, at Drake University. In his presentation, he described the current scope of educational alternatives in the world. Referring to the Handbook he said that:

"In analyzing the data submitted to the Handbook we discovered alternative

schools here today whose founding dates go all the way back to 1786. We also discovered another startling figure. When we plotted the founding dates filled in on questionnaires, it turned out that there has been a general gradual increase in the number of alternatives founded each year, starting with a low ebb in the early 50's. After reaching an initial peak in the late sixties and early 70's, there was a slight dip. But starting in the late 70's there has been a dramatic INCREASE in foundings of educational alternatives, with over 60% of them founded since the early 80's. Without much fanfare, this movement has been growing much faster than many people would have believed."

Following his presentation, Jerry did a networking exercise with all of the participants, making a large circle, and calling to the center subgroups with common interests, such as "administrators," "choice public schools," "homeschoolers," "independent alternatives," so they could identify each other. One or two from each subgroup gave a brief description to the group of their work.

During the conference a new organization was created to replace the States Educational Alternatives League. Called the Learning Alternatives Network, it represents 25 state alternative education organizations, and is now open to network with all other alternative education organizations. At their meeting, LAN voted to "empower the Alternative Education Resource Organization, directed by Jerry Mintz, to establish an international clearinghouse for its educational alternatives ." Since AERO developed a network of representatives in almost every state to help with the Handbook, and has a database of educational alternatives for every state, we are now in a position to assist in the creation of alternative education organizations in states which do not now have them. LAN has requested us to seek funding to help with this project.

In a letter of support , Executive Board Member of the Learning Alternatives Network Carol Meixner wrote, "Having recently created the Handbook of Alternative Education, Jerry Mintz has helped us take a giant first step toward unification of the alternative education movement, and making these alternatives known. we strongly support his effort in establishing additional funding so that this work can continue and expand."

In a similar letter, Don Glines of the California Department of Education and the Educational Futures Projects wrote,

Congratulations on the publication of your fine Handbook of Alternative Education. I certainly encourage your next effort to establish a national clearinghouse on educational alternatives. This is something that has been desparately needed for a decade. Currently there is no single source to contact for information. A clearinghouse would also further the possibilities of joining the many state associations as a consortium on alternatives.

I attended the first National Alternative Education Conference in Racine, Wisconsin. At that time, Indiana University agreed to serve as a center. Since that program is no longer functioning, if you could secure a grant to support and expand your existing AERO networking, it would be a major step toward creating true learning style choices for the youth of America.

I wish you great success in this venture. Meanwhile, thank you for being the best current contact for alternatives.

EUREKA-USA BRANCH ESTABLISHED

I have been working closely with Eleine Sheppel,  of the Eureka Free University of Moscow, the first independent university in the Former Soviet Union. She emigrated to the United States with her family last January. We have established a United States branch of Eureka.  There are also branches in  England, Holland, and Israel. Eleine is the Dean of the International Programs. Eureka has courses and seminars to introduce people to educational alternatives and to prepare them to teach in and administrate alternative schools and programs. We went to two Eureka's Avant Garde Seminars to work with Russian teachers. We demonstrated democratic decision-making techniques by working with Russian and American students and teachers. We expect to do similar seminars here.

Eureka will sponsor a series of internships and seminars for Russian teachers and administrators coming to the United States. They will do short visits and internships with alternative schools here. The first one will be in California from October 16-23. Ann Evans of Cascade Canyon School, who went with us on one of the AERO trips to Eureka Seminars in Russia, has helped Eleine set this up. There will be a second seminar and internship program here in New York and in Boston from December 4-10. We may have a limited number of openings for prospective alternative school teachers in the United States to participate in this. If interested, contact us right away.

We also have a list of seminars which Eureka will be doing in Russia and other countries during the next year. American students, parents and teachers are welcome to participate in those also. The key ones to be aware of are the Eureka Avant Garde seminars, with are both for teachers and students. It is too late to get involved with the ones in September and October of this year. But there will be an important one near Moscow from April 29-May 3. We have heard that City and Country, a progressive school in New York City, will be a presenter at that one. Later in May there will be a Eureka "International School," primarily for students, in Holland.

Another type of seminar, Eureka Analyst, will take place near Moscow  January 3-10. Those who are interested in Russian developmental education approaches are welcome to attend. In July for two weeks there will be the annual Eureka Intensive Program, for teachers, principals, psychologists and philosophers to study the philosophical background, psychological concepts and curriculum of Developmental Education based on the ideas of L. Vygotsky.

If you are interested in participating in any of these seminars, contact either Eleine Shappel at 718 833-7990, or the AERO office. For the seminars abroad we can help with the organization of your trip. -JM

HANDBOOK UPDATE

As the summer ends, the Handbook of Alternative Education  is now out. It was quite a thrill to finally see it.  A red-orange hard cover book, it was amazing to think about the tremendous amount of work and information which went into it.  Alan Muskat, Database Manger for the Handbook e mailed us from New Mexico saying, "It feels good to hold it and know that it HAS BEEN DONE! The Handbook exists! It's very impressive and unbelievably small even at 500 pages, considering all that went into it."

Macmillan will be sending its 65 representatives around the country into libraries and school districts to tell them about the Handbook . It is still too early for reviews, although some of our readers have already received their copies. Wayne Jennings of Designs For Living in MN wrote, "Great piece of work on the Handbook. Our copy just arrived. Marvelous Resource!"   Mary Anne Raywid of Hofstra University wrote, "Congrats on the Handbook!  What an accomplishment!" Carol Meixner of the Michigan Alternative Education Association and Oasis High School wrote that "the introductory and ending articles in The Handbook of Alternative Education  are all wonderful! I especially enjoyed Mary Ann Raywid's article on "The Research Record," and Ron Miller's "Alternative Education Assumptions."

Raymond and Sidney Solomon of the Solomon Press packaged and co-pulished the Handbook with Macmillan. They are now actively  looking for new book-length manuscripts concerning cutting edge ideas and developments in the field of education.  If you have a proposal, send it to the Solomon Press, 98-12 66th Ave, Rego Park, NY 11374.

We would like to thank the Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation for their crucial support over the years. Without them we would not have been able to gather the information which resulted in the Handbook, or indeed, AERO itself may not have survived. Most recently the foundation gave AERO a $3000 suplimentary grant. Fred Bay is the Chairman of the foundation, and he has had a continuing interest in supporting educational alternatives.  

A couple of weeks ago my niece, Jenifer Goldman, and I were on nation-wide television for the first time, on CBS Up to the Minute. She talked about the book she wrote about our homeschool experiences, My Life as a Traveling Homeschooler, and I talked about the Handbook. Outside of that, we haven't done much with the media yet. After all the work we did, I now hope we will be able to let a wide audience know about the Handbook, and the educational alternatives available to them. I hope all of the AERO readers will let people know about the Handbook, and if they can't get a copy for themselves, will at least get their local library, college school or school district to order one. They can be ordered directly from Macmillan, and they can also be ordered from AERO. To order one from Macmillan, call 800 223-1244. To order from AERO, send a $75 check to our address. -JM

NOW YOU CAN SUPPORT SUPPORT AERO AND CUT LONG DISTANCE RATES

We recently discovered an amazing new phone service which can cut long distance telephone rates signifcantly using only the most reliable long distance carriers.   We have switched our phone to this service, which we heard about through the Intentional Communities Bulletin Board. If you are interested in finding out more about this, call John Michael at Transformational Resources, in Austin, TX, at 512 441-2200. If you switch to this service, AERO will get a donation of 5% of every  long dtance call you make without a penny coming out of your pocket if you mention us when you call. If you do this, let us know and we'll make your subscription to AERO-GRAMME  free.

MAIL AND COMMUNICATIONS

Edited by Carol Morley

New Moon: The Magazine for Girls and Their Dreams, an international magazine with stories by and about girls and women all over the world, has announced that circulation has reached 18,000 and is carried in 1800 bookstores in the US and Canada.  This magazine is advertising-free and professionally produced and gives girls a chance to explore themselves, their dreams and their ideas.  New Moon also publishes New Moon Parenting: For Adults Who Care About Girls which contains research, analysis, opinion, reviews, and shared experiences and ideas of adults committed to raising healthy, confident girls.  Their address is PO Box 3587, Duluth, MN 55803-3587;  Phone (218) 728-5507.

Rachel Shahmoon, an independent representative of New Horizon Education, Inc.,  wrote us announcing that she is introducing the Home Learning Lab to the New York area.  This Lab is an impressive, extraordinary learning vehicle designed for the home market for use on a multi-media PC.  It contains the entire curriculum in reading, writing, math and science from kindergarten through 12th grade!  All lesson segments are presented in an animated, interactive format.  It comes with a parent/teacher manual to track the student's progress.  It is affordably priced and a hands-on, no-obligation demonstration is offered.  Call Rachel at (212) 978-8956.

The Network of Progressive Educators, which promotes regional and national conferences, local networking, communication about progressive ideas and practices, and teacher reflection and research projects, is making plans for reorganization to become more regionally based.  They ask for input by means of suggestions, contributions, etc.  They have announced an international progressive education conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which will take place in spring, 1995, when elections for a newly constituted NPE Board and discussions of structural changes will take place.  To contact them, write NPE; PO Box 6028; Evanston, IL 60204.

Alan Muskat and efie woman wrote to let us know they are in Taos, NM, where they are assisting an older woman recovering from a recent surgery in exchange for rent.  Alan may become involved in a project by the Telecommunity Foundation to link up the town electronically in a free-access network.  He hopes also to pursue his interest in graphic design and teaching at one of the nearby alternative schools.  Efie is working on fulfilling the requirements for lay-midwifery certification.  Their address is PO Box 262; Arroyo Hondo, NM 87513-0262.  Good luck and best wishes to both of you!!

A newsletter called Nurture published it's first issue in June, 1994.  Emily Gardner is editor and publisher.  The newsletter explores childcare in the New York City Metropolitan area from many points of views:  parents, nannies, baby-sitters, families and professional daycare providers.  Its aim is to promote communication between parents and caregivers.  Send ideas and inquiries to:  Gardner; 233 West 83rd St.; NY, NY 10024.

The new edition of The National Directory of Internships lists intern positions for college, graduate and high school students, those re-entering the job market, exploring new careers, community service, or job experience.  Published by the National Society for Experiential Education, it covers 85 different fields and includes 3 indexes for ease of locating information by location, field of interest, or specific organization.  The Directory is available for $26.50 from NSEE at 3509 Haworth Dr.; Suite 207; Raleigh, NC 27609-7229.

We received a letter from Lois Holzman of The Barbara Taylor School telling us about their trip this past April to Russia to participate in a 5-day teacher training seminar sponsored by the Eureka Free University.  Held at the Olympic Village outside Moscow, the conference was attended by 32 students and 25 adults from Belgium, Siberia, America, and Israel.  Lois was invited by Alexander Adamsky, chancellor of Eureka and conference chairman, to be a special lecturer in Eureka's 3-year certificate program for teacher retraining and to develop joint research projects.  She returned in July to start this venture. 

The Barbara Taylor School, is planning on opening a second school in Brooklyn at the urging of a group of parents familiar with the program.  For more information, contact them at 2032 Fifth Avenue; NY, NY 10035; (212) 996-0339.

The final Letter from Vermont, written by Jackson Kytle on May 15, 1994, deals with the governance of Goddard College.  Mr. Kytle states that there is "a crisis of legitimacy in institutional governance, .... not just inside Goddard, or even American colleges .... (but) in all the world's democracies between representative democracy and direct democracy."  He compares and contrasts all aspects of these two governance principles and explores coordination of the two in the hope that others, as well as Goddard, might benefit.  Goddard College is located in Plainfield, VT 05667; (802) 454-8311.

Many thanks to Sylvia Olson for her best wishes and thoughtful advice to Jerry. She sent  the book Fats that Heal; Fats that Kill  by Udo Erasmus (very useful book-JM).  She also said she is moving to the San Diego area next spring and is looking for a freedom-oriented school for her sons, ages 8 & 11.  If anyone has information to share with her, please contact her at RR1, Box 114; Pocahontas, IA 50574; (712) 335-4049.

Philip E. Caloia of PHiLiCATiONS is offering AERO-GRAMME readers a 20% discount off the $50 cover price of his huge new book, Open Says-a-Me.    The book contains hundreds of games which are both educational and fun, use everyday items such as cards, words, dice, etc.  They stress reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, arithmetic, history, geography, culture, memory, and imagination/creativity.  Contact Philications, PO Box 6002-71; Virginia Beach, VA 23456 to order the book or for more information.

Jerry Mintz participated in the July, 1994, Annual Conference of the World Future Society in Cambridge, MA, called "Toward the New Millennium.  He, Suzanne Dance, and Patrick Farenga of Holt Associates presented a session entitled "The Impact of Alternative Educational Choices." Jerry said,         "Afterward I saw an interesting presentation on virtual reality. I  stayed at Alla Denisenko's house in Brookline while I was there. Although teaching English as a second larguage, she is still interested in working in alternative education, as she did in Russia. Alla and I visited a former student of mine, Kevin McCrea. Now 27, he has a physics degree, races motorcycles, is a court expert witness on motorcycles because of his physics background, sells motorcycles, and  has a contruction company. We ate at a restaurant he built at his cost, on condition that he could eat there free for the life of the restaurant!"

Subsequently, Jerry received a letter from Edward Cornish, President,  and Terrence P. O'Donnell, Chairman, of the World Future Society thanking him for his contribution to the Conference.  They will be publishing papers concerning the Conference in The Futurist or Futures Research Quarterly.  They also announced the Society's 1995 Annual Conference, "FutureProbe: Imagining Possibilities, Creating Opportunities," which will be held on July 18-20, 1995 in Atlanta, GA. 

David Sower, who helped process data for the Handbook  sent us a copy of an article appearing in Light Center for the Healing Arts entitled "The School of Life; Rethinking Our Educational Model" by Daria Brezinski, who is also an AERO-GRAMME subscriber. In it she expresses that "it is possible for our children to be heard, appreciated, accepted, and nurtured throughout the educational process.  It is a time for us to take a closer look at our educational model, to develop a 'new learning.'"  Daria is author, lecturer, entrepreneur, and mother of two sons, Aaron and Adam.  The phone number for the Light Center for the Healing Arts is (804) 984-0052.

Daria Brezinski wrote to us requesting information on alternative schools or programs in her area for her teenagers.  A former public school teacher, Head Start Director, and private school teacher, Daria also explored Montessori, Steiner, and homeschooling.  The Observer published an article by her called "Beyond Book Learning" in the April 21-27, 1994, issue in which she emphasized the need for the teaching of skills in our schools.  Her teens are now in their first year of public school, and it is not going well.  Please write her with ideas and suggestions:  PO Box 637, Crozet, VA 22932; (804) 823-7980.

The Living School Association is inviting educators to integrate into the curriculum a new set of 3 R's: Reverence, Responsibility, and Right Action to be balanced with the traditional 3 R's.  They propose a systemic study and practice of 36 virtues, one for each school week.  Francesca Lauria, Director of the Association, believes that "in our desire to protect our children from various spiritual paths not in accord with all our particular inclinations, we have abandoned the virtues altogether and in a sense our children along with them."  She also asks homeschoolers to consider Living School's three principles as a foundation for education: The new set of 3 R's; individualized education; and community participation.  Francesca's dream is a global Living School network.  Anyone interested should contact her at 7910 Viola Ct.; Sebastopol, CA 95472; (707) 823-2593.

An article entitled Why a School at Twin Oaks appeared in the Summer, 1994, edition of The Leaves of Twin Oaks.  In it, reasons for the possibility of the creation of a school at the Twin Oaks community are discussed.  This summer, an ex-member ran a four-week summer school program.  Twin Oaks is now considering alternative education options, including starting their own school.  Twin Oaks is an intentional, non-sectarian community located at Rte 4 Box 169, Louisa, VA 23093; (703) 894-5126.  They give regular Saturday tours and conduct a visitor program.

A letter from Heidi Watts informs us that she has agreed to write a history of the beginnings of Antioch/Putney University thirty years ago.  She has asked Jerry to share his memories of those days at Antioch/Putney and how his experiences there has influenced him.  Heidi can be contacted at Antioch University, 40 Avon St., Keene, NH 03431; (603) 357-3122.

The Joy family has decided to participate in the "interfaith pilgrimage for peace and life" which is to begin on December 1 in Auschwitz, Poland, and continue until August 6-9 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.  Organized by Nipponzan Buddhist monks, the purpose of the pilgrimage is to acknowledge the atrocities of the past and present and to work on global transformation including a world commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflict.  As the family works with teenagers and Friends Schools for below-taxable income, they request help in the form of tax-deductible contributions which can be made to Grass Valley Friends Meeting (earmarked for "joy/interfaith pilgrimage"), 13075 Woolman Lane, Nevada City, CA 95959. 

Tim and Deborah Rogers of Stonesoup School have informed us that Tim's brother, John Rogers, his wife and one year old have joined them at the School.  Both Tim and John are alumni of Stonesoup School.  Tim and Deborah tell us that their own baby, Sean, is a nine-month old "giant," weighing in at 30 lbs.  Sounds real healthy!  Congratulations to all of you. To find out more about Stonesoup School, Contact Tim or Deborah at Star Rt. 1, Box 127, Crescent City, FL 32112; (904) 698-2516.

The first annual I*EARN (International Education and Resource Network) Teachers Conference was held in Argentina this past July 6 to 15.  It was attended by 120 participants from 11 countries.  I*EARN is a global telecommunications network in use at over 400 schools in 23 countries wherein students and teachers communicate via E-mail, on-line conferencing, video-speaker telephones, and student exchanges.  This year's conference highlighted the importance of cross-cultural classroom projects designed to facilitate the learning of other cultures and encourage active group participation in improving the social and environmental conditions of the planet and its people.  Future conferences are being planned, with Russia, China and Australia being named as possible sites.  For more information, contact Dr. Edwin H. Gragert, Director, I*EARN, 345 Kear St., Ste. 200, Yorktown Hgts, NY 10598; (914) 962-5864.

Jerry attended a special conference on East European and Russian education at Columbia University on June 15 and 16. It was organized by Mark Johnson, a doctoral student. Alexander Adamsky and Eleine Shappel of Eureka Free University did a presentation.   At the conference I again met Lena Lenskaya of the Russian Ministry of Education. He also met Victor Bolotof, First Deputy Minister of Education, Edward Dnieprov, former Minister of Education. I also talked to representatives of the Ukraine Soros office about helping the Stork Family School. The school has met with them since then in Kiev. We have a book of abstracts from the conference.

The 20th International Conference on Accelerative Learning and Teaching will be held on January 12-15 at the Doubletree Hotel at Horton Plaza in San Diego, CA.  It is sponsored by the Society for Accelerative Learning and Teaching which is a networking association dedicated to improving human performance in business and educational organizations through the use of accelerative learning. It publishes four newsletters and two research journals a year.  For more information about the conference or the Society:  1725 South Hill St., Oceanside, CA 92054; (619) 722-0348. 

Twin Oaks Community  hosted a Communities Conference on September 2-5, 1994, which was an exploration and celebration of communal and cooperative life.  Anyone living in a communal or cooperative lifestyle or interested in finding out more was invited to attend.  For more information about future conferences, contact Ira or Gordon; Twin Oaks; Rt 4 Box 169; Louisa, VA 23093; (703) 894-5126; fax (703) 894-4112.

Information concerning learning centers which are not licensed schools is needed by Elisabeth Wertheim of Hawaii.  Her school is also looking for a young, vibrant staff person for this fall.  She can be reached at:  4150 Hana Hwy., Haiku-Maui, HI 96708.

Norman Rose wrote to inform us that he and his business, WHIZ KIDZ Computer Center, have moved.  Whiz Kidz is a for-profit learning center built around computers.  Kidz come there once a week or more to play logic/academic games, do art, music, writing, publishing, and learn about computer technology in the process.  The center is now located at:  6505 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ft. Worth, TX 76116; (817) 738-1710. 

A new book entitled School Around Us: 25 Years is being written by Claudia Berman and is expected to be published in November, 1994.  In it, Claudia reviews the 25-year history of School Around Us, a parent cooperative school in southern Maine which was founded in 1970 with 30 students.  Anyone interested in ordering the book or for more information, get in touch with Claudia at RR 1 Box 1968, Kennebunk, ME 04043-9740.

A new book has just been published by Zephyr Press entitled The Learning Wheel: Ideas and Activities for Multicultural and Holistic Lesson Planning by Annabelle Nelson.  The author, a teacher, researcher, author, and curriculum designer, traces the origins of ancient planetary wheel symbols and relates how they have influenced the Learning Wheel and the Wheel Intelligence Model, "a multicultural cognition model in which many ways of learning are represented and integrated into a whole."  The Learning Wheel can be used by teachers to design lessons and as a tool for creating holistic curriculum for all ages, encompassing practical, technical, conceptual, creative, and expanded intelligences.  The book can also be used as a "how-to" manual; as a reference into the history of the wheel symbol; as an imagery-writing workbook; and as an aide to those interested in developing effective cross-cultural communication and awareness.  It is available by direct mail from Zephyr Press, PO Box 66006, 3316 N. Chapel Ave., Tucson, AZ 85728-6006.

The 6th edition of Campus-Free College Degrees has recently been published.  It provides in-depth information about accredited distance learning degree programs available to adults interested in earning Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees via contract study, correspondence, internship, tutorials, audio/video tapes, telecourses, and computers.  The book also includes lists of state agencies for higher education; credit by examination, military experience, life experience, correspondence study, foreign study; high school diplomas; and several indexes for ease of use.  It is available from Thorson Guides, PO Box 470886, Tulsa, OK 74147; (918)622-2811.

We recently heard from Catey McGauren, a  Shaker Mountain School graduate, who told us she has been appointed to the Women's Standing Committee of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO for a three-year term.  She is a gardener for the Seattle School District and has been voted Shop Steward.  We offer our congratulations to Catey for these accomplishments and also for having won a scholarship to a summer school for women in the union.  1540 NW 53rd #3, Seattle, WA 98107.

A meeting last spring in Edinboro, PA, was held to discuss the possibility of creating an independent community school there.  A parent who attended that meeting is a Canadian who feels his 11-year old child would benefit from an organization equivalent to the Association for Bright Children of Ontario, a group they were members of in Canada.  He would appreciate any information about gifted programs and organizations in PA.  Yves Haury, 13041 Capp Rd., Box #16, Edinboro Mobile Home Village, Edinboro, PA 16041.

We heard from Pat Seery of the Grassroots Free School who also offered Jerry his congratulations on completion of the Handbook.  (Thank you!)  He and his family went to Japan for six weeks in July/August at the invitation of Kazu Kojima of the Global Free School to talk about his school.  He can be reached at:  2458 Grassroots Way, Tallahasee, FL 32311.

Susan Rubinyi-Anderson sent us an article she wrote, Pre-School Paradise, which was published in the January, 1994, Jefferson Monthly.  While her husband was teaching English at a French university, their son attended an Ecole Maternelle,  a structured, state-funded pre-school program.  Now, Susan is looking for innovative, multilingual schools in the US and abroad and also asks if there is anyone in her area interested in exploring the possibility of operating such an alternative school.  Her address is 565 Fairview, Ashland, OR 97520-2968.

The 4th printing of The Art Book Catalogue from Far Out Explorations offers a specialized source for art books.  Biographies, architecture, science and math in art, writing about art, art and poetry, music, dance, drama, art history and activity books are included.  Free books and discounts are also offered; most books range from $5-$20; many are under $5.  They are all keyed to age from pre-school to adult.  The catalog is free.  Contact:  Elayne R. Dimenstein, PO Box 308, Milford, CT 06460; (203) 877-2962; fax (203) 874-9099.

National Coalition News, newsletter of the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools, (for which Jerry Mintz serves on the Advisory Board), published Jerry's essay, "Response to TV Report on TV Violence" in the Winter, 1994, issue.  In it, Jerry contends that "the real problem is the violence of anti-life, unaffectionate, and punitive homes, and disempowering, deadening compulsory schooling, all presented with an uncomprehending smile."  (Go, Jerry!)  The NCACS can be contacted at PO Box 15036; Santa Fe, NM 87506; (505) 474-4312.

Linda Moore of the Educational Reform Group announced a new video, The Internet: Your Lesson in Navigating the Information Super Highway: a how-to Guide to Mining its Treasures. It is a 70 minute video costing $79. 76 Glenview, Wilton, CT 06897.

Mary Leue, founder of the Free School in Albany, organized another very exciting Live Out at her farm in the Berkshires. Some of the participants included Ron Miller, Barbara Quigley, Sandy Hurst, Emanuel Pariser, Jon Scott and Jerry Mintz. There were also many students and staff members from the Free School and several other teachers, parents and children.

TEACHERS, JOBS, INTERNSHIPS

Santa Monica Alternative School (SMASH) is looking for an experienced teacher/researcher with math/science expertise for a half-time teaching position.  SMASH is part of a Professional Development School-University Partnership which is in search of people capable of working with student teachers.  Contact Jim Cantor, Principal, at SMASH; 2802 Fourth St.; Santa Monica, CA 90405; (310) 396-2640.

Adam Seidman is looking for a job working at a free school. He has extensive computer programming and teaching experience, and worked for two years as teacher and technology coordinator at The Dalton School. He is willing to relecate (speaks Spanish, too). Also loves music, poetry, sports, theater. He thinks technology and internet offer a particularly synergistic match for the independence of free schools. 23 West 73rd St #603A, NY, NY 10023. Phone: 212 875-0881.

Chaille Mount, a graduate of University of N. Carolina with a bachelor's in Psychology, would like to acquire practical experience in order to help her decide which professional degree she will pursue.  She is interested in communications, learning, and autism, and would like an internship position in the education field this year.  PO Box 1438, St. Francisville, LA 70775; (504) 635-6401.

Information about alternative education opportunities in the Hudson Valley area has been requested by Linda Geiger  who is an Expressive Arts Therapist seeking work in an alternative environment.  Her address is 2 North St., Cold Spring, NY 10516; (212) 620-9025.

Tami Grindle is searching for a teaching position at an alternative school in the Albuquerque area.  She is also in search of community members interested in starting up an alternative school in that area.  Contact her at 1809 Silver SE #4, Albuquerque, NM 87106; (505) 247-2057.

Crystle Ballard is an environmental educator with experience in literatire, writing, arts, organic gfarming, natural history and wilderness. She is looking for opportunities in secondary alternative education. PO Box 1746, Yosemite, CA 95389. (209) 379-2219.

Samantha Grabelle, who has recently graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies, is seeking a full-time paid position with an educational organization.  If anyone can be of assistance, please contact her at 258 Hope St. #3B, Providence, RI 02096; (401) 421-7789.

A new school is opening this fall in the Puget Sound area of Washington called Puget Sound Community School which is non-profit and serves students  aged 10-18.  Students will not meet in a building, but will interact with the community through apprenticeships, community service, and computer networks.  They will also participate in weekly field trips and tutorial classes.  The school is seeking volunteers to be mentors and tutorial facilitators.  For more information, contact Andrew Smallman, Director at (206) 455-7617; 1715 112th Ave NE, Bellevue, NE 98004.

We received a letter from Judy Garvey written on behalf of Alice and Roberto Valenzuela who were mentor/hosts for Judy's son, Matthew, for two months at their cattle ranch in Mexico.  The Valenzuelas now seek a host family in the United States for a 16-year old friend, Geronimo Aldana,  who wishes to live here in order to learn English.  The Valenzuelas are also asking for donations of used, non-working or obsolete computers which they will repair and give to the local village school.  Contact Alice Valenzuela at PO Box 8, Douglas, AZ 85608.

PUBLIC ALTERNATIVES

A new publication, Rethinking Our Classrooms: Teaching for Equity and Justice, has just been released as of August 1, 1994.  It is published by Rethinking Schools, a quarterly newspaper advocating for reform of our public schools.  It is written and edited by classroom teachers and includes creative teaching ideas, classroom narratives and hands-on examples of ways teachers can promote community, justice, and equality -- and also build academic skills.  The cost of the new publication is $6 plus $3.50 s&h; orders of 10 or more receive reduced rates.  Contact Rethinking Schools; 1001 E. Keefe Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212; (414) 964-9646; fax (414) 964-7220.

City-as-School is going on Internet with a CAS-National Diffusion Network-INEPS (International Network of Productive Schools) Bulletin Board.  Discussion will be free ranging about not only CAS, but also about experiential education in general.  If you have Telnet access, you will be able to access CAS with a NYCENET account, available at no charge.  To register, call (212) 645-6121; or, E-mail them at bill.weinstein@nycenet.nycps.edu.  In the June, 1994, issue of City-As-School National Network Newsletter, an article was included called Albert Einstein on City-As-School which was a reprint of a speech given in Albany by Albert Einstein in 1936, who said, "The aim (of education) must be the training of independently acting and thinking individuals, who, however, see in the service of the community their highest life problem..." and "The school should always have as its aim that the young (person) leave it as a harmonious personality."  CAS can be contacted at 16 Clarkson St., New York, NY 10014.

Magnet Schools of America is holding two technical assistance conferences for the purpose of providing information in filing magnet school funding applications.  The first will be held in Rye Brook, NY, on Sept. 22-24, 1994; and the second will be held in Los Angeles, CA, on Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 1994.  For further information, contact Donald R. Waldrip; 2111 Holly Hall Suite 4203; Houston, TX 77054; (713) 796-9356; fax (713) 796-1426.

"What's Wrong with Outcome-Based Education?" from The Phyllis Schlafly Report (Vol. 26, No. 10, May, 1993) was published in the April/May, 1994, issue of the Greenhouse Report.  This report explains why there has been so many objections regarding OBE, and how the use of deceptive language, double entendres, vague psychological goals and subjective learning outcomes have contributed to the confusion surrounding the issue.  Ms. Schlafly clearly translates and defines OBE's real objectives and delineates the inevitable end product of such a program.  The Greenhouse Report is published by North Carolinians for Home Education; 419 N. Boylan Ave.; Raleigh, NC 27603-1211.

After a year-long break, the National Coalition of Education Activists is once again publishing their newsletter entitled Action for Better Schools.  The Summer, 1994, issue covered such topics as "Changes in Local School Governance," book reviews, committee members election, and a resource guide.  The NCEA can be reached at PO Box 679, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 and via computer at rfbs@aol.com.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND COMMUNICATIONS

ENGLAND

The Summer, 1994, issue of Education Now contained several interesting articles.  One, by Derry Hannam, reported on the Conference of Democratic Schools at Sands School in Devon.  The Conference was attended by students from Hadera School in Israel, the Freie Gesamtschule of Vienna, Summerhill, Willington Flexi College as well as Sands School.

Second, a notice in Education Now announced that a conference, "Democratic Education and Education for Democracy" is slated for Oct. 22, 1994, at Bilston Community College.  Derry Hannam will speak on "Democratising Secondary Schools" at the conference, which was organized by Education Unlimited, a division of Education Now, and Bilton CC.

And, finally, Heather Martin presented "A Day in the Life of ... A Home-Educating Family" in the same issue of Education Now.  It is a wonderful, funny account of one mother's experience with homeschooling her son, Sam, who thought the idea of homeschooling was hilarious, at first. 

For information on any of the above three items, write to:  Education Now; 113 Arundel Dr.;  Bramcote Hills, Nottingham NG9 3FQ.

Educational Heretics Press has published a new, hardcover selection of quotations on education entitled The Freethinkers' Guide to the Educational Universe.  The book was compiled by Roland Meighan, author of several best-selling books on education.  It includes quotes (all in large type) by such noteworthy persons as Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, John Holt, Margaret Mead, John Taylor Gatto, and, yes, our own Jerry Mintz!  For information about obtaining a copy, contact Educational Heretics Press; 113 Arundel Dr.; Bramcote Hills; Nottingham, NG9 3FQ. 

Mrs. Barbara Leeds wrote to tell us that she has chosen to do her Honors Degree dissertation on "Nellie Dick, the anarchist/libertarian educationalist." She asked us to per her in touch with Nellie. Jerry called Nellie, who is now 101. She was happy to hear of Barbara's project. She and her son Jim Dick will help. They both plan to attend this year's Modern School Reunion on September 24th in New Jersey. We will report on that reunion in the next issue. Nellie and Jim can be contacted at 80 Cove Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771). We offered to send Barbara some of our videos. Anyone else who has information or materials can contact her at The School House, The Heathland School, Wellington Road South, Hounshow, Middlesex, England TW4 5H4.

SWITZERLAND

Sophie Haesen is planning a thesis on homeschooling and would like information from people in the US concerning research results and literature on the subject.  She is particularly interested in reading lists, catalogs, compilations of books on homeschooling, and homeschooling networks.  Anyone who could help her can reach her at: Hauptstrasse 40, CH-8307 Bisikon, Switzerland.

JAPAN

We received a letter from John Potter from Japan telling us that Antioch University was very pleased with his thesis.  A chapter was published in a new book called Crossroads for School. His chapter, entitled "Japanese Education: A Radical View from a British Teacher" was the only one in the book by a non-Japanese writer.  He also informed us that Shinichiro Hori's school, Kinokuni Children's Village has now opened a junior high to accommodate the children who have finished primary school.  Hori has left his job as professor of education at Osaka City University and is now working full time at Kinokuni.  Potter, a former teacher at Summerhill, included 3,000 yen to renew his subscription to AERO-GRAMME.  Thanks a lot, John!  And congratulations on the success of your thesis.  6-18 1-chome, Kitano-cho, Kobe 650, Japan.

Issue 100 of Growing Without Schooling included a report called "Japanese School Refusers" by Pat Montgomery, director of Clonlara Home Based Education Program.  In it, Pat describes her visit to Japan in 1984, when she saw children who refused to go to school incarcerated in a hospital to be "rehabilitated" from their "phobia."  Since that time, encouraging changes have begun to take place, such as Tokyo Shure free school, which is an example of how "the Japanese have found a way to develop free schools that fit with their culture."  Pat will be returning to Japan to help set up a home-based program for Tokyo Shure this fall.  A group of students from Japan and Clonlara recently visited New York. AERO helped them find parking for their vans. Pat Montgomery can be contacted at Clonlara; 1219 Jewett; Ann Arbor, MI 48104. 1-313-769-4515. GWS is published by Holt Associates; 2269 Massachusetts Ave.; Cambridge, MA 02140.

UKRAINE

We received a fax from the Stork Family School of Vinnitsa, Ukraine, telling us that they took part in the Second Festival of Alternative Schools in Sochi on the Black Sea.  There were about 200 participants, with 30 from Stork. They expressed their appreciation for the role Jerry played in helping them get there.  Two students whom Jerry had met at the First New Schools Festival in the Crimea in 1991, Sergey and Artiom, "are already university students. They organized a table tennis championship named after Jerry Mintz!  We hope that the next time we're together you'll be with us."  We thank them for their best wishes for Jerry's continuing recovery and return to good health. Funds were provided to the Stork Family School by the Edwards foundation, through AERO, to help them attend this event and support their school. David Gamper is President.

RUSSIA

Alexander Adamsky of the Eureka Free University sent us a letter in May telling us about "Eureka - Avant-Garde," at which there were 150 participants from five schools making presentations (2 from USA, 1 from Israel, 1 from Belgium, and 1 from Russia.)  The next conference will take place in October, 1994.  Many thanks for their well wishes to Jerry (see note in General section from Lois Holzman, of Barbara Taylor School in New York, which attended the Eureka Avant Garde, along with Hanah Greenberg of Sudbury Valley School).

GERMANY

Deborah M. Wittig wrote to us expressing interest in the Alternative Education Handbook.  Her school, C&K's Children's House, is a foundation level Montessori for 3 to 6 year olds.  They serve the military community in and around Ramstein Air Base as an alternative to military pre-schools and kindergartens.  They are considering moving to a new facility soon; their current address is:  USAFE BAND; PSC 3, Box 1877; APO AE 09021.

FRANCE

Jacques Levi notified us that he is working on a new book, dedicated to his brother Jean, about educational methods.  The book lists all alternative schools in France and includes unbiased commentary on each school.  In addition, pupils of an alternative school in Marly-le-Roi have produced a book called Marly: Ecole du Troisieme Type, published by Arcane-Beaunieux and written by Maneul Piffeteau and Anne Frantelle.  This small alternative school was founded by Jean Levi and functioned for 10 years with the support of volunteers.  Jacques can be reached at: 85, Rue Eugene Labiche; 78290; Croissy Sur Seine.

HOMESCHOOLING:

A group of Russian emigrees created a camp for their children on Cape Cod by rening several campsites at a public park and taking turns supervising the children themselves. It had access to the ocean and a lake. Part of the purpose was to preserve the children'a ability to speak Russian.

Shiloh Moates, 15, who has interned at AERO several times, announced that he will be spending the next few months interning in South Africa, helping people learn about organic farming and house-building techniques. He is sponsored by the Ba'hai' Agricultural Development Institute. He has been working on an organic farm near his home in Floyd, VA, and has learned house-building from Tom Moates, his step-father. He has also interned with a veterinarian, set up a home business and learned how to play a good game of tennis, partly resulting from an organic curriculum AERO helped him design.

In Issue 100 of Growing Without Schooling, Pat Farenga and Susannah Sheffer contributed "Celebrating 100 Issues," in which they related their touching personal stories about how they came to know John Holt and to be involved with his work.  See below for information to contact GWS.

Clonlara School has embarked upon a new adventure: Clonlara School Compuhigh. The idea was developed by Stan Kanner, connecting with students by computer on Delphi, as he combines homeschooling with the ideas he has developed at the Alternative Learning Center, at Fairmont, WV. Through Compuhigh they are offering Algebra, American Government, Collaborative Writing, Computer Networking, Earth Science, Geography, Introduction to Small Business. Stan can be reached at 304 296-2040. Enrollment is $200 including one course, with $50 for each additional. Students completing the program graduate with a Clonlara School diploma. 1289 Jewett St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 313-769-4515.

Issue 99 of Growing Without Schooling included an article written by one of our interns, Carol Morley (me!), entitled "Healthier Socialization."  Carol wrote about her experiences in helping her teenage son, Tom, make the transition from public school to homeschool; how he is now socializing in a healthier, more natural way than he ever had (or could) in public school; and why such a move may be the best one for an ADD teen.  (Carol's note to Jerry: Thank you for all your help and support, because it made all the difference!)  GWS, $25 for 1-year subscription, is published by Holt Associates; 2269 Massachusetts Ave.; Cambridge, MA 02140.

Brook Farm Books has updated, revised and expanded The Home School Source Book by Donn Reed.  It includes information on learning materials, essays, commentaries about homeschooling, resources, and product reviews.  Contact Brook Farm Books; PO Box 246; Bridgewater, ME 04735. 

Nathhan News is a newsletter whose purpose is to help people who home educate special needs children.  The newsletter includes a lending library, articles, sharing ideas, letters, classified ads, education news, adoption news, and more.  Their address is 5383 Alpine Rd., SE; Olalla, WA 98359.

Mickey Abramson, Account Executive at Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., sent us an article from The Wall Street Journal, dated May 10, 1994, entitled "Live and Learn: Fed Up With Schools, More Parents Turn To Teaching at Home."  The article was written by Steve Stecklow, who points out that there is a "new breed of homeschoolers" who are "bringing homeschooling out of the underground and into the mainstream."  The article cites studies showing that homeschoolers score substantially above average on standardized tests.  It also presents contrasting views of people who, after having homeschooled their children, returned them to public school, and feel they made the best choice in doing so. 

The Kids' Place of Choice is a parent run co-operative which provides a safe setting where children can create their own activities using materials provided and their imaginations.  It is available to members (and non-members, for an added fee) of South Nassau Educators on Fridays, 11:30 am - 4:00 pm from September to June.  Send inquiries to Devorah Weinman; 186 East Avenue; Freeport, NY 11520; (516) 868-5766; fax (516) 379-8435.

In the August, 1994, issue of Mentor, a story by Lise Pyles called "A Day in the Life" reported on the results of a survey she conducted on a Prodigy homeschooling bulletin board.  She received replies from 26 families with a total of more than 60 kids in at least nine states.  She found that only a few used an organized curriculum; everyone was flexible, including people using structured curricula; and even parents who felt somewhat overwhelmed were amazed at how much they actually accomplished in a single day. 

That issue of Mentor also included "Worth Repeating," a second look at an excerpt from Homeschool Burnout  by Dr. Raymond Moore, in which the results of a study conducted over 50 years ago astounded researchers and sponsors:  "On every variable, on every parameter, including grades ...., academic honors, leadership capacity, and even attitude on the job, the children from the flexible classes outperformed those in the conventional pressure classrooms.  The children who were not formally taught at all had the highest scores of all in all areas measured."  Since then, these findings have continued to be proven true of homeschoolers.  Dr. Moore's book and other information can be obtained from:  The Moore Foundation; Box 1; Camas, WA 98607.  1-206-835-2736.

Randa Morris shared her unique "Homeschooling Tip" with readers of Mentor in the June, 1994, issue.  She described how ordinary shoeboxes were made into mailboxes, one for each of her children.  Every day she would write a letter to each child, noting that child's accomplishments and positive attributes.  What started as a means of encouraging her children to read became much more:  a strengthening emotional bond among the family members crafted of "every kind word written or read."  

In the same issue of Mentor, Jim Jackson (whose son, Brad, went to Russia with AERO) replied to an article in the previous issue which dealt with evaluations of homeschoolers.  Tongue in cheek (or maybe not!), Jim wanted to know what happens to public school kids who are not "up to speed....Do they make 'em homeschool, or what?"  Mentor is published by HELP (Home Education League of Parents); Suite 131; 3208 Cahuenga Blvd, W.; Los Angeles, CA 90068.

Snakefoot Educational Association wrote to us and also sent along a copy of their newsletter to let us know that their '94 fund raiser is now underway.  Funds are needed so that SEA can continue to serve as a model for others in Virginia seeking an alternative to public school.  All donations are 100% tax deductible.  For more information, contact SEA; PO Box 189; Lexington, VA 24450.

The latest issue of New York State Home Education News ran a piece by Kim Kimble called "New York Home Education Coalition:  A Communication Network for NYS Support Groups."  Kim reports on the New York Home Education Coalition (NYHEC), a newly developed network of homeschool support groups, learning centers, coops and other nonprofit programs in NY, whose aim is to help facilitate communication and unity among the groups.  News from each of five regions will be shared via the newsletter.  New York State Home Education News is published by Allpie (Alliance for Parental Involvement in Education); PO Box 59; East Chatham, NY 12060; (518) 392-6900.

The Greenhouse Report (June/July, 1994) printed an article called "HomeSchooler Recognized by Duke University T.I.P."  Josh Carpenter is a 7th grader who has been homeschooling for the past three years.  This past year, he took the S.A.T.s on which he scored in the 94th percentile on the math test and in the 83rd percentile on the verbal test.  Duke University's Talent Identification Program recognizes students who score in the upper 3 percent of national age-grade norms on standardized tests.  For more information contact:  Duke Univ. T.I.P.; Box 90747; Durham, NC 27708-0747; (919) 684-3847.

The Home School Researcher, published by the National Home Education Research Institute, provides parents, researchers, homeschoolers, home education groups and others with up-to-date research results concerning home education, homeschoolers, and the laws and issues that affect them.  For information and rates, contact NHERI; Western Baptist College; 5000 Dear Park Dr., SE; Salem, OR 97301.

The National Homeschool Association announced in its publication, The Forum, that its national conference and annual meeting will take place September 20, October 1 & 2.  The Forum's aim is to provide information, a means of communication, and a stimulus to discussion and exchange among homeschooling families, local support groups, and state networks throughout the country.  To contact NHA, write PO Box 157290; Cincinnati, OH 45215-7290.

Umoja-Unidad-Unity Newsletter is seeking the opinions of homeschoolers of color regarding whether they would be interested in participating in a gathering to take place within the next year.  For a questionnaire or other information, contact them at:  5621 S. Lake Shore Dr.; Idlewild, MI 49642.

Natasha Borodachenkova wrote to Growing Without Schooling, Issue #97, from Russia about her homeschooling experiences and how she came to the conclusion that home education was the only way to meet her daughter's needs in her early grades.  Her daughter, now back in Russian public school, is doing very well, and Natasha also explains the reasons for returning her to school. 

Home School Digest (Spring, 1994) included an article by Israel concerning H.R.6, "A Dead Giant or a Living Lesson?"  In it, he notes that victory against the threat to homeschooling which the Resolution presented was gained, not "by any one organization, support group, private school, church, lobbyist, Congressman or political leader, but was brought about only by a unified effort.  This was a win for all who believe in freedom."  Further, he says that our experience with H.R. 6 should serve as a lesson to be remembered in the future when there surely will be further attempts to create a governmental monopoly on education.  Israel and Home School Digest can be contacted at:  Wisdom Publications; PO Box 575; Winona Lake, IN 46590.

Brandy Rhodes wrote asking us if we could help her locate curricula and newsletters on holistic-centered education, nurturing and parenting.  If anyone has information they would like to share, please write to her at 7114 West 23rd St., Odessa, TX 79763.

A new statewide network of homeschooling families in Montana has been formed called The Resource Centers for Alternative Education.  The network encourages parental involvement in education, has an inclusive support system, and provides contact and communication among support groups and other organizations.  Their address and phone number are:  315 State St., Helena, MT 59601; (406) 449-7513.

Kathyann Natkie requests suggestions and ideas on ways to share with her 8 year old homeschooler her love of travel and research.  She is also interested in learning more about cooperative communities such as Common Ground Community.  Anyone with information which may be helpful to her can reach her at 21 Cedar Grove Rd., Annandale, NJ 08801; (908) 735-4601.

The premiere edition of Family Education Digest has just been published by Family Education Values.  The magazine includes homeschooling tips, informative articles, activities, essay contests, and prize drawings.  To request a copy, contact FEV at PO Box 1437, Tempe, AZ 85280; (800) 682-7396.

Alpha Omega Publications offers home educators a free Catalog of Home Learning , a free 1994 Home Education Digest, and is introducing a new Horizons curriculum for grades 1-3.  This pilot program will include free math placement tests, standardized testing, and academic assistance.   Send for more information:  Dept. HTL, Alpha Omega Publications, PO Box 3153, Tempe, AZ 85280-3153.

John Willams, a former staff member of Shaker Mountain School dropped by to visit AERO in his cross-country semi, giving homeschoolers Mark Brown, Adam McNeil and Evan McNeil a ride.