Blog Post from Mrs. Sam Page - Head of School "The Offerings of Independent Schools" Quite often, I receive communications from the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS), which serves more than 240 member schools, offering accreditation services, professional development, and opportunities for networking across thirteen states. In a communique for Heads of School, Mary Menacho, President of ISACS, recently shared, “For as long as there have been public schools in the United States, independent schools have represented an alternative educational path for some families. Independent schools are free to establish and provide the pedagogy and curricula they desire.” President Menacho went on to delineate the offerings of independent schools. High academic standards Intellectual curiosity Lifelong love of learning Personal growth Critical thinking skills Development of relationships in a safe environment Experience with the value of a community Smaller class sizes Opportunities to learn beyond the classroom As I read through the value added of an independent school education, I was struck how Rohan Woods aligns with every indicator mentioned above. But we have additional worth that benefits our students and is sought after by many educators, as we have much more flexibility in our curriculum design and teaching methods. As we found during the pandemic, we are nimble due to our school size, enabling us to make immediate decisions that benefit our students and school community without navigating through bureaucracy. The three tenets by which we live at Rohan Woods is respect, responsibility, and leadership. Our independent school is dedicated to educating and nurturing our students to become productive, engaged citizens. Teaching these values isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s an investment in creating individuals who can navigate life with grace and contribute positively to the world around them. Sam Sam Page Head of School Rohan Woods School
Rohan Woods School’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
INTEGRATING TRADITIONAL TASKS AND VALUES INTO EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM "Direct a child in the way they should go, and when they are older, they will not stray from it." My Perspective: I have a daughter who is one year and eleven months old, rapidly growing in wisdom and gaining favor from both God and people. She is quick to learn and always eager to express herself. To address the question of integrating traditional tasks and values into the curriculum, let me share an experience: One day, while holding my daughter as her mother cooked, my daughter observed her mother and then turned to me, saying, "Dad, Mama is cooking." She wanted to be closer to her mother and watched her intently. Soon after, she asked for a spoon. I handed her one, and she said; “Thank you, Dad” Then she imitated her mother's cooking actions, signifying that she had learned something. Jean Piaget, the renowned psychologist, stated that learning begins at conception. Learning isn't confined to schools; it happens everywhere. The episode I described involved a traditional task (cooking) typically seen as a woman's role and a value (gratitude). The role of families and communities in teaching traditional tasks and values is crucial, yet often overlooked in modern society. Many parents assume schools will teach everything, neglecting the role of home and community. If everything is left to schools, what lessons will children learn from their homes or communities? While incorporating traditional tasks and values into the curriculum is important, parents and communities must also actively participate in this educational process. Our moral lives are shaped by community practices and the expectations they set. Communities should encourage members to engage in traditional tasks and uphold values. While the curriculum can offer a general introduction to these concepts, home learning is more selective and specific. Teaching these values in schools allows children to make informed choices and form their own opinions. However, the challenge lies in determining the appropriate age or grade for introducing these concepts. Schools have a role in teaching traditional tasks and values, and their inclusion in the curriculum is beneficial. Yet, it's imperative that parents, homes, and communities lead the way, reinforcing the importance of these lessons both before and after children start school. #Awareness #Reflection #Action
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
Principal at Bangladesh International School Dammam (BISD) | 22 Years in Teaching, Training & Education Leadership | Expert in IB, Cambridge, & Edexcel Curriculum | Passionate Educator, School Leader & Master Trainer
Part 1: Empowering Students Through Voice and Choice As educators and school leaders, we often talk about the importance of student voices in education. We recognize that students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in their learning journey. Yet, despite our best intentions, true student empowerment remains elusive in many classrooms and schools. At the recent Schools Now! 2024 conference, organized by the British Council, the topic of student's voice took centre stage in a panel discussion featuring teachers, students, and education consultants. While the conversation touched on important aspects such as student-centred teaching and establishing student councils, there was a glaring omission – the absence of student involvement in key decision-making processes within schools. As a seasoned school leader and pedagogy expert, I believe it is imperative that we move beyond token gestures of student participation and truly empower students to shape their educational experience. This goes beyond merely soliciting feedback on lesson plans or school policies; it requires a fundamental shift in how we view students – not as passive recipients of education, but as active agents of change. Imagine a school where students have a say in the academic calendar, are involved in resource allocation decisions, and where their feedback shapes the direction of curriculum design. Picture classrooms where students co-create learning experiences tailored to their interests and needs, where they feel valued, heard, and empowered to take ownership of their education. This vision may seem ambitious, but it is not beyond reach. By embracing a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared decision-making, we can create learning environments that truly prioritize student voice and choice. In the subsequent parts of this article series, we will explore practical strategies for integrating student voice into various aspects of school life, from curriculum planning to governance. Together, let us embark on a journey toward a more equitable, student-centered approach to education. Please stay tuned for Part 2, where we've talked more about the role of students in shaping the academic year and resource allocation within schools. #StudentVoice #StudentEmpowerment #EducationRevolution #EquitableEducation #SchoolLeadership #PedagogyExpertise
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
Empowering Futures Through Mentorship: Our Teaching Artists and STEAM Educators as Role Models! 🎭📚 November is Role Model Month, celebrating the profound impact positive mentors have on shaping young lives. Research shows that mentorship significantly enhances children's attitudes towards learning, academic performance, and social success. Here are some key points our Teaching Artists and STEAM educators in SEED focus on: Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Our Teaching Artists provide encouragement and validation, nurturing children's self-worth. By believing in their abilities, they instill confidence, empowering students to pursue dreams and face challenges with resilience. Enhancing Academic Success: Mentors inspire a love for learning, guiding educational choices and study strategies. Their enthusiasm for education encourages students, leading to improved academic performance and higher education pursuits. Building Character and Values: Teaching Artists lead by example, instilling values of kindness, respect, responsibility, and integrity. They help children develop strong moral compasses, essential for becoming compassionate and ethical individuals. Overcoming Adversity: During tough times, mentors offer unwavering support. Their wisdom and empathy help students navigate challenges, building resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of mentorship. The relationships formed with our Teaching Artists and educators go beyond the classroom; they shape futures and inspire lasting positive change. 💫🌱 #MentorshipMatters #RoleModelsInEducation #EmpoweringYoungMinds
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
Beyond Classrooms, Beyond Grades: Building the Village that Educates a Child As a teacher, a curriculum leader, and a passionate advocate for holistic education, I believe the walls of our classrooms hold potential that extends far beyond academic achievement. We nurture young minds, yes, but within those minds reside hearts, hopes, and anxieties that crave understanding and support. This is where the true power of "building a village around each child" and the spirit of Ubuntu comes into play. We cannot – and should not – attempt to navigate the complexities of a child's social-emotional and academic journey alone. Parents are, and always will be, the foundation of their child's world. It's within the family unit that values are instilled, confidence flourishes, and challenges are first encountered. But sometimes, that world needs a bridge to connect it to the one we create in schools. This is where true partnership flourishes.When we, as educators, actively seek to build genuine connections with families, we foster an environment of trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Regular communication transcends progress reports, becoming open dialogues about a child's strengths, struggles, and unique learning style. Parent-teacher conferences evolve into collaborative brainstorming sessions, where strategies are tailored to individual needs. School events become celebrations of a collective effort, not just academic milestones. The benefits are undeniable. Research consistently shows that strong school-family partnerships lead to: 📈Improved academic performance 📈Enhanced social-emotional well-being 📈Increased motivation and engagement 📈Stronger sense of community within the school 🗣Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." But even the mightiest weapon needs a wielder who understands its nuances. By working in tandem with families, we equip children with the emotional intelligence, resilience, and academic skills they need to not only change their world, but thrive within it. This is why the FP teachers at IVA Global School encourage, invite and celebrate with parents. We have termly in person play dates and "Family Fun Nights" (hosted online) to build rapport, relationships and to build those very important bridges. 💭What are your thoughts on building strong school-family partnerships? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!🗣 #education #socialemotionallearning #parentengagement #collaboration #villageeffect
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Several factors contribute to making a good school great. These include: 1. Quality teachers: Great schools are staffed with skilled and passionate teachers who are knowledgeable in their subject areas and committed to providing high-quality education. 2. Strong leadership: Effective leadership is crucial for creating a positive school culture and promoting excellence. Great schools have strong and visionary leaders who can inspire and motivate both teachers and students. 3. High academic standards: Great schools emphasize rigorous academic standards and challenges students to reach their highest potential. They offer a robust curriculum that prepares students for future success. 4. Engaging and supportive learning environment: A great school provides a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where students feel valued and supported. It encourages student engagement and fosters a love for learning. 5. Focus on individual student needs: Great schools recognize that each student is unique and has different learning needs. They provide differentiated instruction and personalized support to ensure that every student gets the help they require to succeed. 6. Rich extracurricular programs: Beyond academics, great schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and arts programs. These activities help foster students' talents and interests, promote teamwork, and develop well-rounded individuals. 7. Parent and community involvement: A great school collaborates closely with parents and the community. Parental involvement, open communication, and partnerships with local organizations contribute to a supportive and successful learning environment. 8. Continuous improvement and innovation: Great schools are committed to ongoing improvement and innovation. They embrace new teaching methods, technologies, and best practices to enhance the learning experience and stay ahead of changing educational needs. 9. Adequate resources and facilities: Great schools have access to the necessary resources and facilities to support effective teaching and learning. This includes up-to-date technology, well-equipped classrooms, libraries, labs, and other essential facilities. 10. Positive student outcomes: Ultimately, a great school produces excellent student outcomes, such as high academic achievement, college and career readiness, and successful graduates who go on to make positive contributions to society. #fromgoodtogreat #greatschool #highacademicstandard #qualityteachers #strongleadership
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
MBA Student at Krupanidhi Group of Institutions, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. B.COM Graduate from University of Calicut
Charter Schools: Innovating Education Let's dive into charter schools – the pioneers of education! Unlike regular public schools, they're the rule-breakers, shaping their own way of teaching. With a special deal called a charter, they create a unique learning adventure just right for their students. It's all about mixing creativity with top-notch education. Charter schools revolutionize education in several ways. They empower educators to innovate by allowing flexibility in teaching methods and curriculum design. This fosters creativity and pushes the boundaries of traditional education. Additionally, charter schools personalize learning for each student, catering to their unique talents and interests. By embracing diversity, they create engaging environments that promote deeper understanding. Moreover, charter schools actively engage with local communities, forming partnerships to enhance educational opportunities. Lastly, while enjoying autonomy, they maintain rigorous standards of accountability, ensuring academic success for all students. In conclusion, charter schools bring innovation, choice, and flexibility to education. While they offer potential for positive change, debates continue about their impact on academic performance and equity. As we navigate education reform, it's crucial to prioritize all students' success, regardless of their educational path. #talentserve #charterschools
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
📚 New Blog Post: Transforming American Education - Actionable Strategies for District Leaders! Here’s what school district leaders can do: 🔹 Equitable Funding Models - Adopt funding approaches that ensure resources are allocated based on school needs. 🔹 Holistic Education Programs - Integrate social, emotional, and civic development into the curriculum. 🔹 Engaged Policy Development - Foster community involvement to support stable and long-lasting educational policies. 🔹 Data-Driven Absenteeism Reduction - Use analytics to tailor interventions and improve student attendance. 🔹 Innovative Professional Development - Equip educators with the tools for innovative and holistic teaching practices. 🔹 Scalable Pilot Projects - Test and expand successful educational innovations district-wide. Read the full article for more on how these steps can create a dynamic and inclusive education system! #EducationReform #SchoolLeadership #HolisticEducation https://hubs.la/Q02z1Sxf0
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Headmistress, Pawar Public School, Kandivali | Passionate Educator | Decisive School Leader | Curriculum Enhancement Advocate | Author | Qualified Nutritionist
╰☆☆ "Climbing the Flexible Pedagogical Ladder: Adaptability in Every Step" ☆☆╮ Compartmentalizing pedagogies by schooling levels can help tailor educational strategies to the unique developmental needs of students at each stage. This approach allows for a structured curriculum that aligns with cognitive and social development milestones, promoting effective learning outcomes. While this compartmentalization can guide curriculum development and teaching approaches, it's crucial to maintain 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 across these levels. 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬. Educators can adjust their approaches based on individual student needs, classroom dynamics, or emerging educational trends. This adaptability ensures that teaching remains relevant and responsive, encouraging students to engage with the material more deeply. A flexible approach facilitates 𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. This is especially important as students transition from one stage to the next, such as from primary to middle school or from middle to high school. By integrating aspects of the subsequent educational stage into the current one, schools can help students acclimate to new expectations and learning environments. This gradual transition can reduce anxiety and improve student confidence, leading to better academic outcomes and a more positive educational experience. By embracing this approach, schools can create a more cohesive learning journey that prepares students for success at every stage. ᴵ'ᵈ ˡᵒᵛᵉ ᵗᵒ ʰᵉᵃʳ ᶠʳᵒᵐ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃᵇᵒᵘᵗ ʸᵒᵘʳ ᵃᵖᵖʳᵒᵃᶜʰ ᵗᵒ ᶠˡᵉˣⁱᵇˡᵉ ᵖᵉᵈᵃᵍᵒᵍʸ. ᴴᵒʷ ᵈᵒ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃᵈᵃᵖᵗ ʸᵒᵘʳ ᵗᵉᵃᶜʰⁱⁿᵍ ᵐᵉᵗʰᵒᵈˢ ᵗᵒ ᵐᵉᵉᵗ ᵈⁱᵛᵉʳˢᵉ ˡᵉᵃʳⁿⁱⁿᵍ ⁿᵉᵉᵈˢ? ᴾˡᵉᵃˢᵉ ˢʰᵃʳᵉ ʸᵒᵘʳ ⁱⁿˢⁱᵍʰᵗˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵉˣᵖᵉʳⁱᵉⁿᶜᵉˢ ⁱⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜᵒᵐᵐᵉⁿᵗˢ—ˡᵉᵗ'ˢ ᵏᵉᵉᵖ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜᵒⁿᵛᵉʳˢᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ ᵍᵒⁱⁿᵍ! #evolvingeducation #diverselearners #flexibility #adaptability #educators #pedagogies
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
-
Every day, school leaders and educators face the task of guiding their institutions toward fostering environments that not only impart knowledge and skills but also do it correctly to produce the best results for their students and society at large. Central to this mission is the adoption of a clear and coherent educational philosophy. Articulating a school's educational philosophy then becomes a foundational element that influences every aspect of the school environment, from curriculum design to teaching methodologies, to student engagement and community involvement. Lessons learnt: How you teach becomes foundation for how your students will learn. https://lnkd.in/eYCxgQic
4 Major Educational Philosophies
adiutor.co
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Personalized education is the future of schooling. This article demonstrates that it's not that hard to dramatically shift schools with the right kind of leadership and buy-in. Now add in democratic and restorative practices and I can really get behind this Indiana school.
Rethinking High School: Upending Traditional Subject Structure in Indiana
https://www.the74million.org
To view or add a comment, sign in