Imagine a classroom where students influence the curriculum and class schedule more than the teachers. Imagine class periods that receive no scheduled hour. And imagine that homework is less a requirement than a “student-initiated” option.
This is the model for the School of Tomorrow, a Montgomery County private school projected to open in September 2009. Alan M. Shusterman, the man behind the plan, developed the idea for the school after being “inspired by the success of homeschoolers.”
He plans to initially enroll about 50 students in grades six through nine into the $25,000-a-year school, eventually pulling in students to fill grades seven through 12. Shusterman created the school specifically to operate with a unique teaching program. Curriculum will be taught on a sliding scale of student knowledge, performance and personality. Since children learn differently, curriculum will be individualized.
Although home reading will be encouraged, Shusterman does not support strict homework requirements, believing “the one-size-fits-all [model] mandated in today’s schools is largely counterproductive.”
Students, parents and teachers will partner to develop a curriculum and class schedule best suited for a particular child, encouraging students to be part of the decision-making process.
Though the $25,000 price tag may turn some parents away, The School for Tomorrow will likely attract many parents and students interested in a different way of learning.
Read the Washington Post article in full: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/16/AR2008071601269.html
It’s great to be inspired. I’m happy Alan Shusterman has found his, however, I really can’t agree with his idea.
Does anyone remember “open schools?” No walls, students doing what they want when they want if they want. Needless to say, it didn’t work. And now Shusterman wants each and every student to, basically, have his/her own IEP (Individual Educational Plan)?
When will all the teachers, parents, and students have time to get together to create this marvel? What if little Johnny changes his mind and decides he just doesn’t feel the urge to learn today? What if little Suzy is a late riser and only does her best work after 4 p.m.? Are the teachers going to accomodate her, too? How are the teachers going to implement these educational masterpieces multiplied by 50? You can’t even sell a year round school year, what makes Shusterman think this boat will float?
Ms. McMillin,
I just came across your posting now, almost four months after the fact. (Better late than never?)
I want to assure you that School for Tomorrow will not be another version of an “open school.” Far from it!
I would be happy to answer all of your questions, in detail; just e-mail me at AShusterman.SFT@gmail.com, and we can schedule a time to talk.
Thanks!
Alan
Alan Shusterman
Founder, School for Tomorrow
http://www.schoolfortomorrow.net