Two principles of progressive education can be of particular value to meaningful educational reform in the 1980's: first, good education is holistic, inevitably and continuously connecting the learner to that which is to be learned; and second, good education can take many alternative forms. Putting the first of these principles into practice involves (1) relating course content to students' abilities to comprehend and use the subject matter, (2) focusing on student acquisition of knowledge rather than of information, and (3) avoiding teaching basic skills like reading and writing outside of the experiential context in which the skills are typically used. The second principle stands as a warning against seeking a perfect form of education that will work for everyone. Studies of schools offering experimental, progressive, and open education have indicated that, although students may not always obtain higher achievement scores at elementary and secondary levels, they may be better prepared to display the initiative required to take effective advantage of college and other postsecondary opportunities. It is significant that, despite a lack of coverage in the media, alternative educational programs are increasing and succeeding. (PGD)