A PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT

Abstract

This study focused on the development of a proposal for a secondary alternative program that would be effective in the state of Kuwait. A professional preparation program that would function in support of the alternative school was also included. The investigator attempted to find the answers to the following questions: What are some of the major features of selected secondary school alternative programs in southeastern Arizona? How could these features be utilized in developing an alternative program for the secondary schools of Kuwait? What type of staff preparation program would be appropriate to effectuate the proposed alternative program? A review of the major elements of Kuwaiti history and culture was presented. Additionally, a summary of the development of the educational institutions in Kuwait was included, with special attention to current methods and practices. A review of the related literature indicated that the alternative school movement has become widespread in the United States as a means of providing youngsters with educational experiences different from those found in traditional schools. The recent increase in the number of alternative schools seems to be based on the assumption that differences among students require diversity in learning experiences. A theoretical framework was formulated from the literature to guide the collection of further data. It consisted of the following categories: (1)philosophy; (2)structure; and (3)function. Under each of these categories, several sub-categories were discussed. The study was conducted by the investigator as a participant observer in local alternative programs in a southwestern metropolitan area. The alternative programs under investigation participated in the study on a voluntary basis and included Cougar Alternative High School, Jefferson Alternative High School, Jackson High Alternative School, and Oak High School. The first three schools listed above serve a population of individuals who could not attend regular secondary schools. The fourth program is a conventional high school that includes an alternative program as part of its function. An interview schedule consisting of various questions regarding philosophy, structure, and function was developed and completed by selected staff at the schools under investigation. The resulting data was recorded and analyzed according to the three framework categories. A proposal for a secondary alternative program appropriate to the country of Kuwait was formulated, and a staff preparation program was included. A major element in the structure of the proposed program was the development of a cross-cultural team consisting of United States and Kuwait members and a representative from Kuwait University. The cross-cultural team would focus on the training of Kuwaiti educators for the proposed secondary alternative school. The investigator would function as coordinator for the training program and director of the proposed alternative program.