by guest blogger Shelly Terrell
cross posted at http://teacherbootcamp.edublogs.org/
I gather weekly with educators who envision the ideal school. We collaborate online for what we believe would be the environment students should learn. I believe we learn through models of schools that demonstrate innovative practices. In 1989 such an innovative school did exist, the Saturn School, and my guest this week, Dr. Tom King (@ProfTK) was the founder and Director.
How did the Saturn school differ from the norm?
- was a magnet school serving students in grades 4 – 8, many at risk, and parents could choose to send their children there instead of the local public school
- noted for its innovative uses with technology at a time technology not as highly developed
- visited by the current president at the time, President George Bush Sr., who spoke with the children
- used local resources such as the public library, the science and art museums, state and local government
- established mentorships and apprenticeships with businesses and agencies
- had differentiated staffing: a lead teacher, associate teachers for curriculum, generalist teachers, intern teachers
- had a longer school year, ungraded, no report cards or textbooks, instead had student portfolios
- had a school council of staff, parents and students
I recently interviewed Dr. Tom King about his success at getting such a school established. Listen to his interview below where he shares incredible insights about school reform and how we can make our dreams for education a reality.
