Many of the components of networks of advanced learning environments already are in place, but they typically have not been formalized into a carefully coordinated system of secondary education. All student records are housed at the center, and every student is assigned an academic advisor. Academic courses, tutorials and special seminars are offered at these centers. For example, centers may be placed in a zoo, shipyard, museum, shopping mall, hospital, university, corporate office or agricultural portion of a day, a day, a week, a semester or longer. Park facilities might be available exclusively to students until noon or one o'clock, at which time the entire community would be able to take advantage or the park's resources.
Communities are full of resources for learning.
In my wildest dreams, in fact, I envision large sections of communities being converted into Discovery Parks. For students recently arrived from a foreign country or another school system, transition centers offer temporary settings in which to acquire the language skills and other prerequisites to move to a regular learning center. For students from dysfunctional homes or in need of special supervision, these centers offer a range of learning opportunities, a family. Located in or near Admission and Guidance Centers, Youth Services Centers offer a range of assistance, including social services, juvenile justice, mental health, counseling, health clinics and probation officers. Students with computers at home can participate in an electronic school through the Internet and World Wide Web.