The Albany Free School

“Trust children and they will learn” this is the motto of the Albany Free School. The Albany Free School is the oldest alternative school that is still in existence today. At this school students are free to choose how they want to spend their day. There are no grades or mandated curriculum, teachers’ asses each student’s strengths and weakness individually. The students use a council meeting system to resolve problems this lets the student be an active participant within the school. The Albany Free school website states, “Truth be told, we are a community far more than a school – a safe, nurturing, open space where every day about sixty kids ages three through fourteen, eight full-time teachers, a cook, a steady stream of interns, volunteers and visitors work, play, learn and eat together.” In today’s society we put a lot of emphasis on what grades a student received, but I believe more emphasis should be put on what did the student learn, and what skills and knowledge did the student gain. I belive the Albany Free School address that in educating their students.

Don't forget about education

The elections will be coming around the corner. Even though students will not be eligible to vote because of their age it is important to get students involved as much as possible. This will get students enthusiastic about the voting process and their duties as citizens. It is essential that teachers are well informed on how the U.S government works when teaching students about the election process so they will not misinform the students. Also it is imperative that teachers respect all parties in the election when instruction their lessons, this will insure that all students values feel respected in the classroom.

What is School For?

Today in my teachers as decision maker class we were asked to answer the question, what is school for? Here are some of the answers the class gave: school is for educating students to be well informed citizens of the country, to improve the quality of life, to foster individuality and freedom of expression, expanding minds of its students, and give students the skills to prepare students for life. There are many different answers for this one question depending on what values you think a student should obtain from school, so I’m going to ask you what do you think school is for?