Powerful Schools works with Rainier Valley schools to support arts, mentoring, after school classes, tutoring, and writing experiences.
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Ms. Katherine had an opportunity to visit Central Park East in New York City – the school founded by Deborah Meier. She said the spirit of the school reminded her of Orca – nice! She liked the way they arranged daily “choice” time: extra adults in the classrooms, many interesting activities (including cooking) to choose from, and time afterwards for students to reflect on what they did. “Students write in their journals (if age appropriate) or draw pictures and have a sharing circle. Students focus on what they were doing and who they were doing it with. They tell about how they worked with others, compromised and problem solved. I was very impressed that even the pre-K students were involved in this high-order thinking activity!”
Ben, Kelly, and I (Mikala) spent a fascinating day visiting AS1 in the morning and TOPS in the afternoon. The two schools represent very different ways to realize the tenets of alternative education, and both continue to evolve as they navigate the different needs and values of their communities. As Orca continues our ongoing conversations about alternative education, institutionalized racism, and shared decision-making, it’s interesting to consider the examples set by these two schools. AS1 embodies many of the pros and cons of placing individual choice at the center of a school’s mission, philosophy, and structure. TOPS emphasizes academic success and creating a loving and supportive community for the kids to grow up in. In many ways, Orca seems to walk a line somewhere in between, attempting to balance individualism with teamwork, to embrace child-centered learning in a way that provides a cohesive academic program, to teach social justice and build community among a diverse population of families… no wonder we’re so exhausted!
That’s all for now – please send questions, comments, and suggestions to orcak8@yahoogroups.com.
