What if a school could be...

What if....School welcomed everyone? 

I wanted to know more about student agency and how to build it. I studied with and visited some awesome schools. Now I can't stop thinking about helping others think about how capable people are - and that schools should be welcoming places for everyone. 

Research tell us that students learn better when the environment has less stress and recognizes the innate curiosity we all have to learn (Bryk and Schneider, 2010).


I continued to wondering about how many people check themselves at the door - at school, at work, at in the world..... where does it end?
 
So I wonder.....
What if.... school was about striving for inclusiveness, valuing individual rights, personal freedoms and ecological/social responsibilities at both the secular and spiritual levels. 
What if.... school recognized that we are diverse members of one human family. 
What if.... school provides a safe, supportive environment for all young people; regardless of gender, sexuality, race, religion, or ethnicity.
What if.... school was about enhancing each individual’s ability to find his or her connection to the sacred in his or her own life. 
What if.... a schools central belief is that individuals, especially children, should be encouraged to raise their awareness of their own connection to their interest and learning.  
What if.... a school sought to create space where each individual is better able to find his or her true voice and better manifest the numinous.
What if... students and staff work together to make laws and manage the school’s day-to-day affairs, including administration of a peer-based judicial system
What if.... democratic education cultivates originality, leadership, and an empowering sense of creative control in one’s life. 
What if.... students are fully empowered citizens, and active creators of their community and their lives.




Does this happen in your schools? Can this happen in all schools?

Comments

  1. Good day Dr. Mulroy.

    It is a awesome idea to open up a private school that can meet the needs of our community more effectively than the failing public state schools.

    I Don't know where I can contribute but I would like to be apart of your vision for a private school that can rightly serve the need of our kids in the community.

    I believe the territory of ESASD needs a private school to offer alternative options that actually helps our kids learn the skill to compete and succeed after high school.

    I am very upset with ESASD as they continue to tax me at a ridiculous rate yet the students don't even know how to dress for an interview, and cant even read at a 5th grade reading level.

    I am a Air Force Veteran, Political science/economic major @ ESU, and a graduate from ES high school north of 07. I have a variety of different skills and experiences I would like to bring to the table and make this school a reality.

    I appreciate your vision and passion to bring education to our community. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi friends!! I am so excited that you are looking forward to a private school - I appreciate your passion. I have a lot too! What I really hope we can do is create a place without so much anger. One where everyone has a voice. I have to admit - I love East Stroudsburg... I got my start there and worked with great people. My kids had great teachers! Let's stay positive. I believe in public school - but think the regulations make it hard!! Ask your favorite teacher or principal! Most people in public education are about kids.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Pat,
    I would love to connect. I have been meeting with a group (mostly public educators) out here in Portland for years now to envision, plan and eventually create a learning environment/school/education that embodies many of the attributes you mentioned above. It makes my heart sing to learn of your plans.
    I left another comment on your blog, but as I perused more, I wanted to write again.
    Al the best,
    Gaye

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts