Thanks Demian for the information. By all means best wishes.
Public schools, we all fund, need change. For example Detroit public schools have a
graduation rate of around 25%, California around 66%. I believe in increasing student
empowerment and choice there. More self-education could take place like the Hole in
the Wall schools of Sugata Mitra. And access to more democratic education for all that
want it.
Applying the Sudbury model to public schools has problems. The Sudbury model charter
school in Cottage Grove, Oregon closed. There are problems such as mandatory testing that
limit student freedom, credentials needed that limit staff, less autonomy and thus less
power compared to private model schools. For example in hiring and firing staff.
I am more tolerant of less orthodox Sudbury model efforts, perhaps considering my
compromises in my present vocation. I am a jail teacher. More inmate liberty and empowerment
would improve the sense of passive hopelessness and helplessness. And be a step in the
right direction. Last century Warden Osborne even did away with guards at a self--governing
naval prison.
I will send an e-mail to you for the school board saying " Please let self-initiated learning and
governance be tried. Many could discover their special gift." I hope the effort will continue as a
private, if not public school. After all, the Sudbury model is a state of mind, a step toward
governing ourselves, ourselves.
From behind California's redwood curtain,
Dennis Shaughnessy