My dream for education: re-imagining what happens in schools

I dream of an education that is no longer broken down by subjects but rather reflects real life experiences.

I dream of a school that fosters true partnerships with families, the communities that surround it, and the world at large.

I dream of a school that embraces choice, pushes students to make a difference, and embraces the creative process.

• PURPOSEFUL PROJECTS: Each grade level would have the opportunity to contribute their interests and passions for teachers to help guide purposeful projects that would address multiple subject areas while also having a positive impact on the community. It is critical for projects to have an authentic audience.

 

• CHOICE: Students would have multiple choices for what they learn and how they demonstrate their understanding. Curriculum and instruction need to be varied to reach multiple learning styles but would always be engaging, fun, and exciting for students. Providing choice of how and what one learns provides a sense of ownership over one's learning.
  

 

• COMMUNITY/GLOBAL CONNECTIONS: Each grade level would be partnered with a different community organization, such as a retirement community, a hospital, a homeless shelter, a museum, a global organization that connects students around the world, etc. Projects would be connected to their partnership organization to provide students the opportunity to not only learn about each organization but how they can contribute to their community and their world. Community partnerships allow for deeper connections, meaningful learning opportunities, mentoring/buddy programs, and introduction to different career paths.

 

• FIELD TRIPS AND TRAVEL: Each grade level would have multiple field trips per year and the opportunity to travel to learn more beyond the walls and confines of the school space. Students with the support of teachers, staff, and families would stretch themselves to discover new areas, new ideas, and experience other cultures through enriching travel experiences. It is vital to experience the world outside of the classroom and stretch our definition of a rigorous education. Education happens everywhere - in the home, at the beach, in museums, in the classroom, at recess, on field trips, and through travel around the world.

 

• ARTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION WOULD BE CENTRAL: While physical activity and the arts would be embedded into purposeful projects, daily workouts and play would be required. Having a healthy body, fosters a healthier mind, a happier heart, and stronger connections among the student body. Creative expression, whether through dance, song, visual arts, photography, music, and creative writing are an important component of who we are, how cultures are defined, and how we are able to learn about our past and forge our future. Daily physical activity and daily arts experiences are crucial for a fully rounded education.

 

• GENIUS HOUR: Students, faculty and staff would have an hour or so a day that would be dedicated to a passion project and focus of their choosing. Some could choose to work together, or individually. Projects for faculty and staff (and perhaps for students) could take place on or off campus with support from families and/or the school. Each person would be responsible for showing their progress at multiple points throughout the year and would have an end date to present their work in a format that best suits their chosen passion project. Genius hours have proven to work in successful organizations, such as Google, where some of the most innovative projects and products emerged during these time periods.

 

• REAL LIFE SKILLS: Students would learn how to cook, clean, survive in various scenarios, CPR/first aid, take care of something and someone else, protect yourself, communicate respectfully, time management, goal setting/keeping, present yourself, and financial literacy. It is vital students learn these skills early, so as to provide skills that will actually serve them in their lifetime. Moreover, projects would be connected to these skills, such as creating, making, and distributing meals for the homeless. Real life skills need to be taught and schools would be a perfect place to start.