Deanna Clark

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Dee, I can completely see a school as you have imagined it.  I am wondering, how would the core standards be met in such a setting? What are your thoughts on flexible seating? Would students also choose their schedules? It would be interesting to see this in action.

I was interested to read your thoughts about middle schoolers because I was also thinking such students might envision being off campus for their learning. Initially, I was thinking students interested in Ag. could do field experiences on a farm. Someone interested in sports physical therapy could work with a trainer for an athletic team. The options are really endless, and quite interesting to think about all the opportunities our students' have at their fingertips.

My question regarding this idea, is how would middle school students logistically get where they need to be for such field work? Possibly switch the bus system?

Deanna,

You propose some interesting and thoughtful perspectives on how students might design their own learning and school settings. I am a 3-8 school counselor and I agree with you that many middle school-aged students would desire more PE and activity time. In my own experience talking with students in one-to-one settings, I have found that many of them also dislike PE. They do not enjoy changing in locker rooms, detest physical movement or being judged by peers based on athletic "inability." I have noticed many students feel there is an "imaginary audience" watching all of their moves and it can be highly uncomfortable to be in these less structured/more social settings. Due to the "imaginary audience" being so prevalent at this developmental stage, I think there may be a pretty even split between my student body when considering PE and recess.