It’s time to let the wholeness of the child engage with the wholeness of the world.
WHAT IS
AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
To the extent that we narrow the purpose of schooling to what can be measured, we fail to
engage those sides of children that must be developed in order for them to pull learning
from life. We also increase the likelihood that
they will be bored, question the value of school,
and in some cases even drop out.
Instead of starting with the questions “How do we prepare kids to compete in the 21st century
global marketplace?” or “What will insure that graduates all have command of basic skills?”,
suppose we start by asking what qualities we want to encourage in children as they grow toward
adulthood.
Four Rivers School
Four Rivers enrolls students in grades eight through twelve. The Expeditionary Learning model in this charter means that activities extend far beyond the classroom, involve projects, and promote character growth, teamwork, and active learning. On state tests students score above sending schools.
Mission Hill School
The superior guiding social, emotional and academic principles and practices at Mission Hill are clearly reflected in student behavior, teachers’ professionalism, and parent involvement. Together these factors ensure that every student at the school is engaged, nurtured, and loved each day.
OUR
RESOURCES
American Schools
An excellent exploration of democratic education is Sam Chaltain’s, American Schools: The Art of Creating a Democratic Learning Community (Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2010).
Learn MoreTeaching Children to Care
Many practical suggestions for social and emotional development can be found in Teaching Children to Care, revised edition. Author Ruth Sidney Charney was co-founder of the Center for Responsive Schools.
Learn More