TM & education
David Lynch Foundation in schools
MSAE, example of success
Exercise
ABC news coverage
Journal watch: Kids need more exercise
Organic Farming (bio-intensive)
Children in Nature Network
Support services (healthcare, food, counselor, etc.)
Lunches made from food grown on site/ organic vegetarian lunches
MSAE: Food and Nutrition
Project Based Classes
Cengage College
Combining subject areas for holistic/ real world experience
Sound Curriculum
MSAE
Individual study time/ self-directed
Class size
Longer school days
Teacher preparation/ training/ dress code/ pay
Parents/ community/ school decisions
ESSAY
As a Superintendent of a prestigious school district, I am working to reform American public school systems. Our goal is to develop students mentally, physically, and emotionally. We will cultivate intelligence and basic skills in subject areas meeting set standardized criteria expectations in math, science, English, world history, physical education and health, fine and applied arts including but not limited to music, nature exploration and appreciation, culinary arts, studies of consciousness, woodworking, dance, theatre, crafts, etc.
Every student’s learning style will be assessed upon entering the school. Based on the learning styles and interests of each student they will be recommended to established sub-schools.
The sub-schools:
Established based on students learning styles and interests. These will be based off preexisting examples of high performing alternative schools.
Option 1: A high-tech sub-school will be established for students who prefer to work individually and at their own pace. This sub-school will be based off of Metro-High. Students will work at their own pace and will not be able to progress until completing each lesson with an A.
Option 2: This sub-school will be based off of nature and the body, and hands-on, project-based work. Students who need to ‘do’ to learn as well as those who are task oriented will have an opportunity to thrive. This system will be largely based off of Steiner’s Waldorf model, Montessori education, as well as vocational schools.
Option 3: A third sub-school will be based on the arts. This is for highly creative students who expresses themselves and learn in terms of exploring their creativity. Inspiration and evidence comes from Steiner’s Waldorf system.
Option 4: We also offer a general education, traditional system. This is for the intellectual minded. Children from families who oppose our school reforms will be accommodated in this school. We will teach in accord to systems implemented across the country.
These are not definite divisions. Student’s will try the different methods and experience what works best. A test of all the methods will be run during the first week of the school year. Students will have the option of being in different sup-schools for different subject areas. The goal is to teach students all subject areas in the way they will learn it best.
Dedication to knowledge: Students, parents, and teachers will sign a petition to declare education and personal advancement/ development/ education as the main focus. This will aid in solidifying dedication, and determination to the best education possible.
To maintain a teacher/ student ratio of no more than 1/25 and no lower than 1/8, grade levels may be in the same class with one teacher. In all sub-schools (option 4 exempt) the classes are primarily project based or individualized and students’ assignments and expectations will be in accord to grade level.
Teachers will attend developmental meetings over lunch twice weekly. One will be to review and assist in lesson plan development and learning style appropriateness. The second later in the week to debrief with the rest of the staff and faculty; what, what’s going on in the school? So what, how is everyone feeling? So what now, what are steps we can take to have a more harmonious school environment? Where should we focus the school’s resources to best meet all of our needs? What is the best evolutionary next step/ focus?
Financing will remain as is now for our public school systems. The tech sub-school will be supported in large by generous donations from computer corporations. Ultimately, the national government should play a larger role in the funding of public schools. Our school system is still dependent on state and municipal funding.
We acknowledge the importance of teachers in the education of students. We are dedicated to hiring only highly qualified, competent teachers, educated in the most advanced and proven teaching methods. To ensure high quality teachers, new applicants will have an individual interview with me, the superintendent, an interview with the Board of Education (elected into position by parents, teachers, and the community), and a day in the school with the principle and teachers observing and assimilating. To be hired, the aspiring teacher must get approved by at least two the three.
Final thoughts: Policies come from the state rather than school district or even the national government? Support from someone qualified. Intelligent critical thinking
Videos, anything we have discussed in class, Ravitch, research, anything wonderful I find is okay for supporting my claims.
Collective consciousness needs to rise so teachers can focus on learning instead of the political controversies around public education.
Bring two pages written for Monday’s exam including 2-4 questions. These should be open-ended where it shows logical and critical thinking. Want to give the answer, and then provide concrete examples and support for the answers. Can develop any question I want as long as it’s related to information in the course, then I can take whatever stance on the knowledge that I want. Any reasonable answer is fine, its about the reason and support. I’m the one asking myself the question, make one I can answer! Make it what we learned in class all week, not the specifics of my reform.
Goals
Standards: health, happiness, quality of life, information, curriculum, teacher qualifications,
(School organization, choice, financing)
Accountability: Students, teachers, and parents all play a role in the academic performance of the student. How will I test this?
Evaluation
