Alternative Education. I talk about it a lot. But what does it actually mean?
Alternative Education takes many, many forms. In fact, I have become something of a "Student of the Movement" over the last year. If you are looking for one sentence, and most people are (since that is the extent of their attention span) Alternative Education typically refers to a way of learning that does not follow the modern model (i.e., planting your tush in a seat six hours per diem.) When we talk about "alternative schools" we do not mean public schools where non-conforming or problem children are sent -- those are alternative in name only.
Homeschooling is a more obvious choice withing the AltEd movement, but what if you can't or just genuinely don't want to homeschool? What are your options? Do you have any at all?
Of course, I recommend homeschooling. Some of the resources available to the homeschooling community in the year 2012 are truly remarkable, but let's define some of the other choices, shall we?
- Democratic Schools. One thing you will have to learn about AltEd is that we don't like hard and fast labels, so take these definitions as a guideline, not as an uncompromising stance on a particular approach. A Democratic School is typically one in which students self-direct, but also submit to a democratic process when evaluating the direction of their studies. According to the Alternative Education Resource Organization's (AERO) Directory of Democratic Education, a democratic school provides an “education in which young people have the freedom to organize their daily activities, and in which there is equality and democratic decision-making among young people and adults.” In describing this type of approach, I often hear, "but what if they decide to do nothing?" This response always comes from those entrenched in the current system. The current system is dictatorial and authoritarian and does not recognize children as natural learners, in fact, it seeks to leach out the natural learner in all of us.
- Free Schools. Similar to Democratic Schools. The operative word is non-compulsory. Typically, Free Schools will facilitate any class or subject the child expresses an interest in, but does not offer a set curriculum.
- Montessori Education. Developed at the turn of the last century by the first woman physician in Italy, Maria Montessori discovered that children often learn best through their senses when working with concrete materials. Montessori children are divided into age groups that span three years and are free to work independently or in small groups. My favorite Maria Montessori quote; "Children unaided can construct an orderly society. For us adults, prisons, police, soldiers and guns are necessary. Children solve their problems peacefully."
- Waldorf Education. The Waldorf method came as a response to the materialism in a post World War I society and seeks to develop the spirituality and creativity of an individual. Waldorf students remain with the same teacher from first through eighth grades. Emphasis is on the natural world. In early development, toys and manipulatives are always made of natural materials -- nothing artificial or plastic. In the early years there are no dry textbook facts, material is presented through story-telling. Creativity and movement are essential to the learning process. My own definition of Waldorf is that "all things can be learned through nature." What a beautiful idea!
- Freedom Schools. According to AERO, Freedom Schools originated in 1960's Mississippi, when racial segregation of schools...led community leaders to launch a Freedom Summer of youth education. What I find to be so compelling about Freedom Schools is that they are springing up in areas most affected by the inadequacies of the public school system. In Brooklyn, this summer, a new Freedom School will open. 35 students and 7 staff members. The school is supported by local businesses in the community from curriculum development to fresh produce. This is how you bring back education to its grass roots. If not in your home, how about your street, your block, your neighborhood?
- Progressive Education. Many of the above methods are considered to be "progressive," i.e., non-test driven, emphasis on learning-by-doing, problem solving and critical thinking. Incorporates collaborative and co-operative learning.
The greatest thing about homeschooling is that you can blend many of the above methods into your own eclectic, creative approach. And if you don't think an alternative school is near you, think again. Check out AERO's list of alternative schools worldwide.
No school near you? Well, maybe you should start one. There's help with that, too.
These are the things that keep me up at night. Not in a bad way. In a way that says, "Big things are happening in education. Things that will change the way we live and learn." I'm profoundly proud, I'm totally driven, to continue to be a part of the revolution.