Some Good Schools to Check Out
I've been lucky enough to get involved in starting a couple of Charter Schools and I'm very proud of both of them. They have some common characteristics --- particularly stemming from the fact that both are members of the Coalition of Essential Schools --- and they have some significant differences. The Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School is in Devens, MA, in a largely suburban/rural, predominantly white middle and upper-middle class setting. Blackstone Academy is in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and serves urban students from the cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls. Both schools are succeeding in preparing students for the 21st century, each in its own way. Check out
www.parker.org
www.blackstoneacademy.org
to see what's going on in each of these innovative and interesting schools.
On another note. Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does."
I had the distinct privilege, while teaching at Brown, to work with Caitie Whelan, a student with wisdom beyond her years and the energy of a Whirling Dervish. What Caitie has managed to do, in less than two years, is start a school in Indiafor a group of lower-caste musicians who, heretofore, were deprived of education. If you want to see what a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can do, go to:
www.merasischool.org
Work like Caitie's is the reason we should always be hopeful for the future and is certainly the kind of thing that keeps me teaching!