David Brooks on Civility

While this column is not directly related to education, I felt compelled to share it for many reasons. It seems to me as logical and compelling a case for the urgency of civility as I have come across. It also, unintentionally, touches on some of the core elements of Quaker philosophy and Quaker education. Quakers believe that each person has within him or her some piece of the truth. For that reason, Quakers (and Quaker schools) place a premium on providing a forum in which all voices can be heard, listened to, respected, and incorporated. When our public life as a nation is at its best, this is exactly what happens; ideas are shared and discussed, and we incorporate the best thinking of everyone involved as we move forward. In the classroom, this approach to learning means that the exchange of knowledge is a two-way street; teachers gain understanding from their students as well as vice versa, and all come away more enlightened.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/opinion/14brooks.html?_r=1&ref=davidbrooks

AP Rethinking Its Approach (It's About Time!)

As you are likely aware, Friends School has never offered AP courses (our students do, though, often take the AP exams and have an extraordinarily strong record on them). This article discusses the change in direction that is underway for the AP, a change that is fueled by the same reasons that we have steered clear of these courses in the past. The College Board is now acknowledging what we have long understood; that the AP approach (with its focus on the memorization of vast quantities of information rather than the development of essential skills) flies in the face of good educational practice and the needs of the 21st Century. "The new approach is important because critical thinking skills are considered essential for advanced college courses and jobs in today’s information-based economy." We at Friends agree wholeheartedly, and have built our Teaching and Learning paradigm around this belief.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/education/edlife/09ap-t.html?_r=1

The Value of Play for Children

This article from the New York Times explores the growing recognition of an argument so solidly rooted in common sense that it seems like it should go without saying; play is an important component of children's lives. Play, we are increasingly aware, is among the most essential "work" that children can engage in as they grow and develop.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/garden/06play.html?_r=1