So if the current system requires conformity and compliance; yet we know that humans need autonomy, mastery and purpose to be motivated, will reforming elements of the system really achieve the desired result? Or does the entire system need to be re-designed?
Schools that honor the developmental needs of kids and “the schools our kids deserve”[2] contain many if not all of the following elements:
- Project Based
- Individualized Learning Plans
- Heavy dose of practical field studies
- 1:15 student to teacher ratio
- Emphasis on reading and literacy.
- Presentations
- Community Involvement
- Caring Adults
- Real choice for students on what they learn
- Facilities that promote collaboration
- Technology to promote higher order thinking skills
- Advisories
- Expectation that service, college and work are complete before graduation.
Can we really have a school with these design elements? The answer is yes, I happen to be the director of such a public school in Minnesota. More on our school can be learned from an interview I gave for EdReformer. Currently I am working with a group of parents to start a similar school in Northern Wisconsin. (See Quaking Aspen Field School). What is needed to start a school like this: courage and desire. Aren’t you sick of kids just doing time? I know they are!
(Source: adventuresinlearning, via notational)
