RE: Question 2: Non-traditional education

I agree with you, Margo, on the idea of a hands-off approach.  I appreciate these 'alternative' approaches for their ability to think outside the box and avoid so much of the 'red-tape' that ties the hands of tradional public schools. 
 
The only role I might be comfotable with the state taking is one of observer and data collector. Perhaps traditional public schools could benefit from what the 'alternative' schools are doing (administratively, in the classroom, with curriculum, with teacher development and so on).

I also agree that more needs to be done to educate parents and the public about what options are available in education.  It would be nice to remove the adversarial atmosphere that exisits between traditional public and 'alternative' education forms.