EDU Trending: The Rise of Alternative Schooling
For the past decade, there has been a steady increase in student enrollment for independent charter schools, CTE (Career and Technical Education) schools, and homeschooling. Parents’ interest in and choice of alternative education options for their children has risen even more sharply since the advent of COVID-19 https://www.the74million.org/as-the-pandemic-set-in-charter-schools-saw-their-highest-enrollment-growth-since-2015-42-state-analysis-shows/.
Conversely, since 2020, traditional public schools have experienced a nationwide enrollment decline of 1.5MM students (https://www.the74million.org/article/public-school-enrollment-down-3-percent-worst-century/)
What are alternative schools? First, they share the same purpose. They are all designed to help and to educate students who have not been successful in traditional schools. Yet, these schools are not all alike. Some emphasize outdoor experiences; others, creative expression through the arts; still others, problem-solving through STEAM and/or real world career training.
Elementary School
Middle School
High School Wood Shop
Click the photos to be taken to a YouTube video!
Whatever their focus, they all have the same cultural norms, including the importance of building and sustaining trusting relationships between students and adults, honoring student voice, and personalized learning. They are child-centered rather than teacher-directed.
In these times, parents are increasingly attracted to alternative education for their children. We have to ask ourselves why. Where do traditional schools fall short? What can they learn from alternative schools? Do they want to adapt and, if so, how? For some things to consider in response to these questions, please read my blog titled Wake-Up Call.
News and Views: Alternative Learning Fun In and After School
COVID-19 will be reported in history as a world-wide scourge that killed millions of beloved people and broke the hearts of the many millions more who mourn them. Believe it or not, in its wake, COVID also left a few good things. First, it showed us that we have unyielding courage and resolve in the face of an unrelenting and brutal enemy. Second, it tested/plumbed the depth of our kindness to one another and found it infinite. Third, it forced us re-examine what is important for our children; namely academic activities - disguised as a grab bag of fun - that produce healthy bodies, curious minds, social engagement, emotional satisfaction, and bright-eyed, eager learners.
If they cannot visit in person, kids of all ages can enjoy each of these interactive experiences virtually in classrooms, after school, or at home. Subjects cover the arts, space travel, global citizenship, and social/emotional well-being. Suggested lessons accompany most visits. To get started, check out these website examples. Subsequent newsletters will reference other sources.
In an activity called “One for All,” Middle School students learn how to manage resources and also address conservation issues by collaborating and problem-solving together. Math, science, and social studies are their tools rather than their tasks. https://www.worldof7billion.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/one-for-all.pdf
Take a tour of the San Diego Zoo and discover why the rare African Penguins are an endangered species, and how different they are from penguins who live in the freezing cold of Antarctica. Where do they lay their eggs? How do they stay cool? Who are their enemies? Find the answers at https://sdzwildlifeexplorers.org/animals/african-penguin
Question of the Day:
From 2020 through 2021 which of the following alternative school models showed the greatest rate of growth in student enrollment:
Homeschooling
Private day schools (including religious schools)
CTE (Career and Technical Education) schools
Independent charter schools
Independent online schools and programs
For the answer, please go to https://www.merleschell.com/blog/wakeupcall-gcn5s
From Me to You: Let’s Switch
Usually, I reserve this section of the newsletter to share ideas and make recommendations that I hope will be helpful, bring you moments of joy, make you smile, or give you pause to consider and reflect. This time, I am suggesting you acquaint yourselves with three schools (ranging from elementary to high school) that successfully embrace one form or another of alternative education while maintaining state standards and requirements: The STAR Academy; Community Charter School of Cambridge; and The Met.
Now I’d like to switch and ask you to share your thoughts on alternative education. Why do you think alternative schooling is on the rise? Can you cite a specific example? What do you think about the three schools I recommended? Do they offer you any ideas for your own school, your own practice?
We are at a crossroads in education, and your experience and expertise are valuable. If you want to share your views, please submit an article to https://www.merleschell.com/in-your-own-words . We hope you will join the conversation. Thank you.
Note: Working the Kinks Out of Some Links
Apologies to our readers. In the first issues of Unpacking Education, some of our links did not work. We believe we have corrected the problem. So if you want to check again, corrected newsletters with unkinked links can be found on our Archives page at https://www.merleschell.com/unpacking-education-archives Thanks very much for your understanding