Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

Published: Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Heinemann, 1992

ISBN: 0-435-08709-6 978-0-435-08709-8

Language: English

ISSN: 0277-4232, 1944-8333

Abstract/Notes: The article describes Montessori instruction and how this method is being increasingly adopted by public schools. Although private schools remain the primary settings for Montessori instruction in the U.S., the philosophy and methods identified with the movement have spread rapidly in the public system in the 1980s. First embraced by public educators in the mid-1970s as a theme for magnet programs designed to spur desegregation, the approach is now being used in about 110 public schools in 60 districts. Some 14,000 pupils were enrolled as of last 1989. The two major professional groups in the filed differ on the extent to which Montessori methods should be adapted to today's society, and dozens of different associations provide teacher training. Association leaders say they are working separately and together to promote the movement's spread into the public sector. But they concede that their efforts are relatively recent. The secret is based on the work of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and biologist born in 1870 who first worked with children labeled and retarded and then with the children of poor families in inner-city Rome. Her children learn best in environments that respect and support their individual development. Maintaining that children's first six years are the most critical for learning, Montessori promoted a holistic approach that would begin children's education at an early age. In the eighties, the emphasis on early childhood education and the emergence of the school choice movement have further bolstered the popularity of Montessori ideas among school-savvy parents. The American Montessori Society (AMS) represents more than 700 schools. The U.S. branch of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) represents 130 schools. While only about two dozen public schools are officially recognized by either the AMS or the AMI, many public school teachers have been trained in programs accredited by those groups.

Language: English

ISSN: 0013-127X

Language: English

Published: Alexandria, Virginia, 2003

Abstract/Notes: Parents and guardians of children in the Indianapolis Public Schools' Montessori Option Program for kindergartners through sixth graders were surveyed. Parents and guardians were surveyed on: (1) the pupil progress report, which was used on a pilot basis during the 1988-89 school year; (2) the Montessori method; (3) strengths and weaknesses of the program; and (4) changes the program needed. Questionnaires were sent to the households of 536 pupils and to 50 school staff members in the 3 Montessori Option elementary schools. Parents and guardians replied positively to 25 closed-ended questions; were neutral about none; and responded negatively to four. School staff replied positively to 27; were neutral about none; and responded negatively to two. Parents and guardians expressed concern about more than 46 survey-related topics. Parent-initiated topics included: competitiveness and comparison between students, curriculum design and development, learning environments, parent-teacher conferences, program expansion, public school use of Montessori philosophy, and staff certification and training. School staff expressed concern about classroom mangagement, instructional materials, parent involvement, parent-teacher conferences, skills and knowledge analysis, student progress, and the district-wide testing program. Questions and responses (along a Likert-type scale) are provided for parents and school staff members. Parents and guardians of children in the Indianapolis Public Schools' Montessori Option Program for kindergartners through sixth graders were surveyed. Parents and guardians were surveyed on: (1) the pupil progress report, which was used on a pilot basis during the 1988-89 school year; (2) the Montessori method; (3) strengths and weaknesses of the program; and (4) changes the program needed. The survey instrument consisted of a section on respondent characteristics, 32 closed-ended questions, and three open-ended questions. The five sections of the survey covered the evaluation key, report card headings and philosophy, report card delivery to parents and guardians, and basic principles of the Montessori method. The survey elicited parent opinions about the program. The households of 536 pupils and 50 school staff members in the 3 Montessori Option elementary schools received questionnaires. This main report describes survey methodology, reports results and conclusions, and offers recommendations. Related materials are appended. Parents and guardians of children in the Indianapolis Public Schools' Montessori Option Program for kindergartners through sixth graders were surveyed. Parents and guardians were surveyed on: (1) the pupil progress report, which was used on a pilot basis during the 1988-89 school year; (2) the Montessori method; (3) strengths and weaknesses of the program; and (4) changes the program needed. The survey instrument consisted of a section on respondent characteristics, 32 closed-ended questions, and 3 open-ended questions. The five sections of the survey introduced the topics of the evaluation key, report card headings and philosophy, report card delivery to parents and guardians, and basic principles of the Montessori method. The survey elicited parent opinions about the program. The households of 536 pupils and 50 school staff members in the 3 Montessori Option elementary schools received questionnaires. This appendix to the main report provides: (1) survey design input from parents, teachers, and others; (2) the Montessori Option Pupil Progress Report Survey; and (3) parent and teacher responses for each item.

Language: English

Published: Indianapolis, Indiana: Indianapolis Public Schools, 1989

Abstract/Notes: Dr. Maria Montessori, president of the Montessori School in Rome, famous for the methods which she has originated for awakening and guiding the mind of early chlidhood, will visit this city next June to study...

Language: English

Language: English

Language: English

Language: English

ISSN: 0271-6062