Alternative Schooling and Student Engagement Canadian Stories of Democracy within Bureaucracy

This book explores the unique phenomenon of public alternative schools in Toronto, Canada and other large urban areas.  Although schools of this kind have existed for more than a century, very little has been written about the alternative school movement. These alternatives focus more on child-centered instruction, give many students (and teachers) opportunities to organize the school differently, provide a greater voice for teachers, students, and parents, and engage students far more with experiential learning. When traditional school structures are failing to meet the needs of many children and youth, there is a rapidly growing need for information and discussion about alternatives that will encourage their talents and serve their needs. This book draws attention to the issue of alternative schooling to help make it more accessible to a wider audience.

Nina Bascia is Professor and Chair of the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education at OISE, University of Toronto, Canada.

Esther Fine is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at York University, in Toronto, Canada.

Malcolm Levin is a retired professor of education and university administrator.