Deanna Clark

The students I am referring to would be ages 10 through 14. If these students were to design a school I think they would want to choose the curricular area they wanted to learn about. They would probably ask for opportunities to go out into the work force and see what kinds of careers where available in the areas they found most intriguing. Of course they would ask for recess and PE.

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.

Susan, To be honest I don't think core concepts would exist. I think the kids would literally want to teach themselves about topics they chose and go as deep as they want. I don’t see how our current school system would continue if I am right about what students would want.  In regards to flexible seating it would have to be student choice. Seating would be determined by concepts chosen.

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.

Reflecting on my original image of what I think kids would want in a school I feel they would flourish if allowed to go out into the real world and learn form experts on the job. I think my recess and PE comment should be changed to choosing life long leisure and healthy living activities. Learning how to be healthy and finding activities that promote healthy living through leisure activities would be my "recess and PE".