The Power of Paideia Schools: Defining Lives Through Learning

Rating:
Summary: Paedeia the Practical Way
Review: In this collection of essays by practitioners, Editor Terry Roberts of the National Paideia Center puts in plain language how the ideas in Mortimer Adler's 1982 classic "The Paideia Proposal" can be put to work in America's schools. Roberts himself reviews the theoretical underpinnings of Paedeia, which proposes a common curriculum for all students steeped in classical works of art, music, literature, etc. as well as critical discussion and coached projects. Individual essays explain the premises behind such varied topics as "Intellectual Coaching"; "Didactic Instruction"; "Flexible Scheduling"; "Assessment"; and "The Paedeia Seminar" among others.

As an employee of a public school, I was heartened to find a book that not only served to present theory, but also backed up that theory with practical applications and anecdotal evidence of use. In a particularly useful section following the essays, the National Paedeia Center includes state-by-state addresses, phone numbers, and contact persons at schools currently using the Paedeia model, which is perfect for further investigation into the all-important question: "Does this really work?" This is one of the best collections of information surrounding Paedeia schools that I've been able to find--a definite keeper!

Rating:
Summary: Paedeia the Practical Way
Review: In this collection of essays by practitioners, Editor Terry Roberts of the National Paideia Center puts in plain language how the ideas in Mortimer Adler's 1982 classic "The Paideia Proposal" can be put to work in America's schools. Roberts himself reviews the theoretical underpinnings of Paedeia, which proposes a common curriculum for all students steeped in classical works of art, music, literature, etc. as well as critical discussion and coached projects. Individual essays explain the premises behind such varied topics as "Intellectual Coaching"; "Didactic Instruction"; "Flexible Scheduling"; "Assessment"; and "The Paedeia Seminar" among others.

As an employee of a public school, I was heartened to find a book that not only served to present theory, but also backed up that theory with practical applications and anecdotal evidence of use. In a particularly useful section following the essays, the National Paedeia Center includes state-by-state addresses, phone numbers, and contact persons at schools currently using the Paedeia model, which is perfect for further investigation into the all-important question: "Does this really work?" This is one of the best collections of information surrounding Paedeia schools that I've been able to find--a definite keeper!