Abstract/Notes: This qualitative ethnographic case study explored the evolution of a public urban high school in its 3rd year of small school reform. The study focused on how the high school proceeded from its initial concept, moving to a small school program, and emerging as a new small high school. Data collection included interviews, observations, and document review to develop a case study of one small high school sharing a multiplex building. The first key finding, “Too Many Pieces, Not Enough Glue,” revealed that the school had too many new programs starting at once and they lacked a clear understanding of their concept and vision for their new small school, training on the Montessori philosophies, teaching and learning in small schools, and how to operate within a teacher-cooperative model. The second key finding, “A Continuous Struggle,” revealed that the shared building space presented problems for teachers and students. District policies remain unchanged, resulting in staff and students resorting to activist approaches to get things done. These findings offer small school reform leaders suggestions for developing and sustaining a small school culture and cohesion despite the pressures to revert back to top-down, comprehensive high school norms.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/2158244013486789

ISSN: 2158-2440

Language: English

ISSN: 0065-9444

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Includes a mention of the Montessori materials.

Language: French

ISSN: 2492-3524

Abstract/Notes: Recently, new comparative studies of the levels and causes of ethnic and socio-economic segregation across various European cities reveal that the physical separation of people belonging to different social groups is on the rise (Tammaru et al. , 2016) . While studies of the effect of the spatial environment, notably the neighbourhood, reveal that where one lives only modestly affects life chances such as work, income and health directly (Musterd et al. , 2003; Andersson et al. , 2007; Van Ham et al. , 2012) , other studies suggest that indirectly, via spatial sorting (Sampson, 2012) and access to specific amenities, the residential neighbourhood has effects (negative but also positive) on life chances. One of the key mechanisms through which place of residence may affect life chances is through schools. While the body of literature on school effects is vast and a plethora of effects have been...

Language: English

Published: London, England: Bloomsbury Academic, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-350-03351-1 978-1-350-03354-2 978-1-350-03352-8

Language: English

Published: [S.I.]: Poverty & Race Research Action Council, 2018

Language: English

Published: Poughkeepsie, New York, 1940

Abstract/Notes: Despite the accomplishments of the Civil Rights movement, students from racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities continue to attend schools whose climates are hostile to their needs — educators have made students argue the “pros and cons” of imperialism, disproportionately punished their BIPOC students, and failed to challenge the racism that Black students endure (“Stories,” n.d.). Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that integrated schools can adopt to ensure all students feel welcomed, respected, and heard. Through interviews, survey data, and classroom observations, this capstone identifies school climate needs, namely as they pertain to resources, relationships, and restorative disciplinary practices, at one integrated PreK3-8 school, Elm City Montessori School (ECMS) in New Haven, Connecticut. This capstone concludes that while ECMS effectively honors and celebrates its diversity, the school should evaluate the allocation of curricular resources, build stronger ties to the New Haven community, and proactively support student mental health. The findings suggest that the ECMS should, in addition to adopting other reforms, invest more in LGBTQIA+ books and work alongside local advocacy groups to help achieve these goals. While this capstone is not generalizable, its findings show that all integrated schools must continue to critically assess if diversity within their buildings translates into a welcoming or hostile space.

Language: English

Published: New Haven, Connecticut, 2023

Abstract/Notes: Includes some basic information about Montessori schools in America.

Language: English

ISSN: 0023-7124

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246