ELWYN B. ROBINSON DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
CHESTER FRITZ LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA 58202

OPEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL RECORDS

COLLECTION: OGL #1361

DATES: 1971 - 1979

SIZE: .75 Linear Feet

INTRODUCTION

ACQUISITION: The Open Community School Records were deposited in the Orin G. Libby Manuscript Collection by Dr. Elizabeth Hampsten, UND English Department on January 2, 1998 (Acc.# 98-2193).

ACCESS: Available for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Department of Special Collections.

HISTORICAL SKETCH

The Open Community School opened its doors for the first time in 1970, in response to a need for an alternative means to educate students. It allowed students to explore their own interests, more than the traditional educational environment allowed. The Open Community School was a private school, serving the needs of 30 students per year. It started with one certified teacher, with parents, other students, and volunteer teachers serving as additional facilitators of learning. The school had no grade levels, as students were expected to learn at their own level and pace. No report cards were given, just periodic evaluations of learning. Parents played a vital role in the school. They provided monetary support and also helped to clean the school, and assisted in other daily activities. Financial problems plagued the Open Community School throughout its existence and it was forced to close in 1979.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The Open Community School Records consist of three series. The Executive series contains materials that describe the operation of the school, including the school's Articles of Incorporation, description, goals, meeting minutes, financial information, and general correspondence. The Student series includes state information regarding media center materials and some student works. The General series contains newspaper articles regarding the Open Community School and examples of other alternative schools.

BOX AND FOLDER INVENTORY

Box 1
Folder

Executive

1. Articles of Incorporation, Description, Goals, and State Requirements for OCS: (1971 to 1976)
2. Finances: May 1971 to April 1976
3. OCS Meeting Minutes: February 1971 to October 1977
4. Correspondence (General): August 1971 to June 1979

Students

5. Media Center Information: 1970 to 1976
6. Student Works: 1971 to 1973

General

7. Newspaper Articles Regarding the OCS: 1971-1979
8. Examples of Other Alternative Schools

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