cohousing & alternative ed | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: jreed (jreedccmail.llu.edu) | |
Date: Fri, 21 Oct 94 11:38 CDT |
Greetings! I taught high school physics, computers, & math from 1987-91, & quickly realized the unspoken lessons of typical public schooling and its systemic problems. Reading John Gatto had me nodding & started me on my search for a better way of living and learning. Now that I'm a mom (Katie is 17 months old), I'm even more motivated to create a rich, loving environment for our family. I think homeschooling is great, but a small community school is even better. It provides more options for kids and parents (especially working parents). A group of 3 families ("burning souls") & several other families/singles are working toward developing a cozy cohousing community with a school as its focus (East of San Diego, California). We're at least 2 years away from land purchase, but are exploring working models of alternative schooling. At the very least, we will homeschool within our community, but we'd really like to create an "open" school for children outside our core group. I even envision a larger "virtual school" to share expertise and interests. Our favorite working model so far is Sudbury Valley School, a democratic school that began in the 60's. (SInce then, many other SVS clones have formed.) SVS allows the natural curiosity of human nature to guide learning. Students choose what, when, and how to learn and teachers help only when asked. Students and parents also vote on budgets, rules, and judicial matters. I was a bit skeptical until I read some of their books about how kids learn in a free environment. They have many publications and a LISTSERV if anyone is interested. We're exploring the possibility of creating a charter school (within public school system - accountable for success but not constrained by typical rules - charter defines success and assessment methods). I'm very interested in communicating with anyone who has experience with private or public alternative schooling. One useful resource is The Alternative Education Resource Organization - they publish a newsletter & AERO leader Jerry Mintz just published a handbook of alternative ed with 7300 examples of alternative schools (as well as descriptions of approaches, philosophies, resources, organizations, etc.). I've found many other books, organizations, and online resources helpful & would be glad to share info if anyone is interested. I'll also send our outline of what we envision for our school/community if anyone is interested. By the way, Jerry Mintz says that the fastest growing segment of homeschoolers are those disatisfied with schooling options, NOT those concerned with religious issues. Like cohousing, alternative schooling is a growing movement, and I see the two naturally and easily working together. Jodi Reed Follow your bliss. jreed [at] ccmail.llu.edu - Joseph Campbell
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