Cohousing-L Mailing List: cohousing & alternative ed

[jreed (jreed]

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