Resumen de La rénovation des collèges [de l'utopie au pragmatisme]
The renovation of French « colleges » : from utopianism to pragmatism? - The challenge of mixed-ability classes — the consequence of establishing the same school for everybody — has made it inevitable to transform the « 1 st cycle » (middle school) and the way it is run. Such is the aim of the renovation of French « collèges » which started in 1984 and is now being widespread. Its contents vary from one school to the other but, under various forms, it tends to promote educational methods adapted to every child's abilities. The survey given here and elaborated from studies made for the Ministry of Education by the General Inspectors, shows the pros and cons. Through the recorded evolution, ranging from the enthusiastic « pioneers » to the mere undertaking of simple actions, it shows what has been achieved, what has been successful and what is yet uncertain in this experiment still on its way.
