Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: "Pre-Katrina" and "Post-Katrina" are common terms for time frames these days in New Orleans, often reminding me of the BCE/CE timeline distinctions. You hear "Pre-Katrina" and "Post-Katrina" on the news, in the paper, and in everyday conversations. Although more and more people have moved back to New Orleans, businesses and restaurants are open, the St. Charles streetcar is running again, and normal life is continuing, Hurricane Katrina is still an everyday topic of conversation. In the midst of the constant reminders of the storm, Montessori education proved to be a stabilizing force in our school community. This is the story of how one public Montessori survived and redefined itself after Hurricane Katrina. (Contains 1 footnote.)

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: When school systems embrace public school choice, it often results in the creation of a variety of public schools with specialized learning models, thereby helping to narrow this aspect of the opportunity gap.... Present were representatives from Baltimore City Public Schools, MD; California Montessori Project, CA; Cambridge Montessori School, MA; Duval County Public Schools, FL; Fort Wayne Community Schools, IN; Instituto Nueva Escuela, PR; Kankakee School District 111, IL; Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN; Richland County School District One, SC; Taylorville Rockford Public Schools, IL; Community School District, IL; San Mateo-Foster City School District, CA; and Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, GA. [...]this movement, Montessori was only available to a select group with enough economic resources to pay expensive private schooling.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: The American public generally recognizes the name "Montessori" because so many schools across the country and around the world use the Montessori name. However, the Montessori community has long believed that misunderstandings abound. A recent dissertation study quantified Montessori awareness and identified misconceptions in particular for those aspects of Montessori education that are unique, relative to other educational settings. In order to gauge public understanding of Montessori education, an online survey was conducted with members of an Internet panel administered by a national research firm. The study included a demographically representative sample of 1,520 U.S. adult panel members, who answered questions regarding their understanding of Montessori education. Two members of the American Montessori Society's Research Committee and six Montessori teachers, including a combination of early childhood and elementary teachers with AMS and AMI credentials, reviewed the survey to identify any disagreements on correct answers for the Montessori knowledge questions. The survey was field-tested with six individuals, including parents and nonparents, both with and without Montessori experience, to identify any potential points of confusion. Results show that the public clearly lacks understanding of the Montessori perspective on extrinsic rewards, including such things as stickers, certificates, and even teacher praise. Since extrinsic rewards are common in other school settings, their absence in Montessori environments may seem peculiar unless people understand that Montessori philosophy is based on the idea that students develop intrinsic motivation when the learning activity itself, not an external incentive, is its own reward. The public recognizes that developing children's concentration abilities is a goal of Montessori education, but opportunities exist for helping people understand specific practices employed to achieve this goal (i.e., providing opportunities for long stretches of uninterrupted work time, allowing the child to determine the timing of changing activities). Better understanding of the reasons behind the unique structure of the schedule in a Montessori classroom will help people see that the differences from other educational environments are based on a comprehensive philosophy of child development. (Contains 3 figures and 1 table.)

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: [...]I want to encourage every Montessori educator, teacher educator, and administrator to make time for observations in a public or charter Montessori school program. [...]I think that a program should not be labeled a Reggio Emilia program unless there is full commitment to that program-well-prepared teachers, a serious atelier (the art and supplies room, often centrally located), true child choice, and fantastic Tuscan food for everyone in the school. [...]this format makes it impossible for most of the children to come up and do anything-it assumes the teacher will be "doing things" with whatever is being presented. [...]teachers must set policies about tattling, about asking for spelling help, and so on, and encourage children to use peers as much as possible.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040