This book, divided into four parts, emphasizes a practical approach to open education. Part 1 is devoted to the historical and philosophical bases of open education and to the teacher's role in the open classroom. Included in this section are discussions on the nature of education, child development, children and learning, characteristics and a definition of open education, and the teacher and child responsibility. Part 2 notes methods of organizing and managing open classrooms. The following topics are discussed: a) changing from a traditional classroom, b) classroom management, c) recordkeeping and evaluation, and d) internal class records. Part 3 discusses the curriculum of open schools, which includes social studies, science, reading, writing, mathematics, cooking and baking, and creative arts. Part 4 is devoted to various aspects of implementing open education and focuses on the following topics: a) the individual child; b) grouping for instruction; c) team and cooperative teaching; d) parents, volunteers, and paraprofessionals; e) anticipating some problems; and f) teacher centers. (Two appendixes relating to open education in Great Britain and an annotated bibliography are included.) (PD)