This collection of publications by Washburne, spanning from approximately 1915-1968, address childhood education, arguing that the purpose of education should extend beyond basic subjects and job-oriented training but equip the student for citizenship in a democracy. Washburne developed the innovative Winnetka Plan of Individual Work, inspired by the Dalton Plan (in-depth study of subject modules by students at an individual pace) and the Montessori principles, and was revolutionary in it's scalability and success within the Chicago suburb school district. The Winnetka Plan provided a year's allotment of study, but enabled every student to complete the modules at their own pace, whether it took a year and a half or half a year with the benefits being pared down repetition, structured pedagogy and evaluation, and increased efficiency during the school day to allow for a greater balance of study and socialization/self-selected activities.