I'm enamored with the idea of self-directed education as practiced in Sudbury Schools. Anyone else heard of this? There are two in Colorado, one in Chicago area, a few in New York, New Jersey, Texas, and in several countries overseas, all based on the original Sudbury Valley School (
http://www.sudval.org/) in Massachusetts, est. 1968.
Here's what it's like:
It's a democratic school where each student and staff member have an equal vote at the weekly school meetings, where decisions are made about rules, sometimes disciplinary action, spending, electing leadership, even staff. There's a second governing body that also includes parents, board of trustees, some community members (I think) that meets less often (like twice a year?) which gives final approval to budget and hiring and other business.
All the rules, which are 100% made by the School Meeting, are enforced by the Judicial Committee, which meets daily and is made up of an elected student chair and mixture of student ages (drawn randomly) and one adult staff member, rotating daily. So, like a court to hear written complaints and give sentences, which tend to make amends for the broken rule.
The students range in age from k-18. They show up at school, sign themselves in, and simply do whatever they choose (within the parameters of the many rules, geared toward protecting the institution and each individual's freedom) ALL. DAY. LONG. They play, they learn, they follow their interests, they socialize a lot, they do what they need to do. This is what I never even knew I could want from education. Now that I know about it, I want it for my two young kids. It costs money, but less than any other private ed. It actually COSTS less than public school spends per pupil.
So I see a connection between my excitement about this and my love of MMM. Anyone else? It's like bringing a retired mindset to childhood. It both allows children to simply be children and simultaneously allows them to be as grown up as they can/want to be. They have an actual legitimate vote in the school from the earliest age and are expected to make responsible choices (while still being expected and allowed to make mistakes).
Okay, so it places a high value on personal freedom, fosters self-responsibility, gives the space and time for kids to experiment and take risks to learn time management and balance... there's so much more I can say, but I'm looking for some feedback. Do ANY of you mustachians dig the format?