Comments on: Traditional vs. Progressive Schools: What makes the difference?

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:58:29 +0000

@Woody – I suppose all we can do is model progressive ideas with project based learning and seamless integration of 21st century tools. Someday we’ll get there.

@Doug – it gets lonely being the only progressive thinker in your school.

Thanks guys for dropping by.

By: Doug Johnson

Doug Johnson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:20:01 +0000

Hi Cathy,

Schools like mine suffer from the “good standing in the way of the great” syndrome described in the book Good to Great. We have no pressing crises (yet) that require us to reinvent ourselves. It’s harder for “good enough” schools to change than poor ones!

All the best – and good post!

Doug

By: a. woody delauder

a. woody delauder — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:43:57 +0000

Cathy,
Great Post! I’m also tired of tradition. We are not changing with the students. Some are trying, but we need a complete overhaul of thinking about what it means to teach and to be taught. I like to think of it as a mindset that needs to be changed. Its not enough to be the one teacher in your school that pushes the square box over and starts to venture out of it. We need more schools like SLA.
But you are right. I didn’t notice much difference in the actual appearance of SLA and a traditional High School. The main difference I noticed was the students mentality. The students knew they were part of something different and new. The students felt that they had a voice and it would be heard. Thanks for sharing.