RESEARCH IN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLING AND TEACHER EDUCATION: ISSUES AND PRIORITIES

The alternative schools are those that generally serve a special population, such as students with unique learning interests or disabilities or potential dropouts. Alternative schooling is an absolute requirement because every student should have the opportunity to learn and to achieve a quality of life. Alternative schooling also offers school and community leaders the opportunity to fulfill their legal responsibility to provide equal access to education for all students. There is a growing consensus throughout the world that all children have the right to be educated together. In the last six years a number of major international statements have appeared, affirming the principle of inclusive education and the importance of 'working towards schools for all- institutions which include everybody, celebrate differences, support learning and respond to individual needs' (Salamanca Statement 1994). Teachers are key to helping alternative school students. The challenge confronting the alternative school is that of developing a child ?centered pedagogy capable of successfully educating all children. So with the emergence of the concept of alternative schooling, the role of teacher education institutions need to be widened. The present paper highlights the priorities areas in alternative schooling which need immediate review and action.