This book presents optimistic alternatives to the current educational reform movement, which has not produced substantial improvement. Dwight W. Allen advocates structural reform of education in virtually every aspect--organization, staff, curriculum, and political accountability. His central proposal is for the establishment of a national system of experimental schools, well-funded for research, experimentation, evaluation, and demonstration, but with realistic operating expenses.
The biggest obstacle to reform is the lack of confidence in those who might establish, coordinate, and implement it. The establishment of an extensive, coordinated national experimental school system with voluntary participation by all those involved would provide a relatively nonthreatening environment in which to try new alternatives in all aspects of public education. The first requirement is a new vision of education--one that has the capacity for quick implementation of new curricular and instructional programs. Allen advocates the creation of a well-designed national curriculum which would enhance local control of schools. With a portion of the curriculum standardized, local school districts and teachers would have the time and resources to develop local curriculum options.

Foreword by Terell H. Bell
Introduction: A Conservative Approach to Radical School Reform
The Need for Nationally Sponsored Experimental Schools
School Reform Movements: Tinkering with the System
Transforming Schools: A National Perspective
Experimental School Governance: National, State, and Local
Accountability and Incentive
Teachers and Staffing
Curriculum
Technology in Education
Teacher Education
Community Involvement in School Programs and Structures
Resources
Previewing the Future
Selected Bibliography
Index

DWIGHT W. ALLEN is Eminent Professor of Educational Reform at Old Dominion University. In 1990 he served as a technical Advisor to Unesco's Primary Teacher Education Project in Malawi, Africa, and previously was Dean of Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Among his many publications are Teachers Handbook, Microteaching, and The Computer in American Education.