Montessori in public schools
02/04/2013
I was delighted to receive an email message yesterday from Trevor Eissler, author of Montessori Madness: A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education. Trevor had discovered my blog posts on Montessori learning, including my review of his book, and pointed me toward a relatively new organization called The National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector.
The Center, which is affilitated with the American Montessori Society (AMS), is an effort to promote the Montessori method in public school environments. The Center's website provides a wealth of resources which I strongly recommend to other educators interested in this unique, student-centered approach to learning. Some highlights:
- FAQ's on the differences between Montessori and more conventional methods of education and a useful one-page handout, "Students at the Center; Structure at the Forefront."
- Research on Montessori and student outcomes.
- A map of public school Montessori programs in the U.S., profiles of select schools, essential elements of successful public Montessori schools, and a look at how the Montessori curriculum correlates with the Common Core Standards.
I must confess, as I shared with Trevor, that I am a bit skeptical about the capacity of traditional schools to faithfully implement the Montessori method (admittedly, I've grown pessimistic about the structures of public schooling in general). I'm worried about schools that might try some half-baked version of Montessori ("Monte-something," as Trevor called it), see it fail, and then (like so many other poorly-implemented initiatives, say, "We tried that and it didn't work" (or worse, "It won't work with these kids").
But I applaud the efforts of public schools that are trying to faithfully bring the Montessori method to diverse populations of students, and the Center's goal is to promote authentic presentations of Montessori in public school environments. In fact, until we have meaningful school choice options available to families of modest means, I am as enthusiastic about this endeavor as just about anything still contained in the structures of public education, and I'm eager to learn more and share what I can with other educators.
Kentucky presently has three public school Montessori programs, all in the Jefferson County Public Schools. I'm hoping to pay a visit to these schools in upcoming weeks. In observation of international Montessori Education Week, February 25-March 1, I'll be writing more on this topic.
I also encourage parents and practicing and aspiring educators to visit Bowling Green's only Montessori elementary option currently available. In its first year of operation, The Montessori School of Bowling Green's elementary program, 506 State Street, serves 13 children ages six through twelve. Visitors are welcome, and especially during Montessori Education Week, the school invites observers. Educators will be most impressed by the thoughtful strategies of differentiation and individualization of learning that are basic to the Montessori method. Call the school at 846-1122 to schedule a visit, or contact me for more information.
We live in Minneapolis, MN, and my daughter is in a free public school that offers a Montessori education. This was available to us through the city's school choice options. The school does a wonderful job with the Montessori method, and so far my daughter loves it (she is in Schoolhouse).
Posted by: Christine | 02/05/2013 at 11:29 AM
Thanks for your comment, Christine. I'm so happy you've found a great Montessori option in your public schools.
Posted by: Gary Houchens | 02/05/2013 at 12:50 PM
Worrying about schools "that might try some half-baked version of Montessori and see it fail," might render us inactive.
No Montessorian wants to see a school fail, however, "We've got to get Montessori to more children!"
There are esteemed organizations that hold us to the highest, authentic Montessori standards, and then there are young moms and dads making Montessori adaptations at home while learning on the fly about various parenting styles. There are private schools blessed with adequate funds and abilities for raising resources, and there are those that endeavor—sometimes within austere budgets—to bring Montessori education to children in parts of the world that are remote and impoverished.
Writers, speakers, and video producers engage in workshops and conferences in order to elevate the awareness of Montessori philosophies and methods.
Researchers study brain development and how the brain learns. They compare skills of children in classic Montessori programs with those of children in supplemented Montessori schools and, also, with those children in conventional schools.
Others build bridges and look to exchange best practices with other holistic, child-centered programs; still others work to bring Montessori into the public sector.
Last, but not least, there are the teachers working daily in the classroom, balancing their own educated and discerning expectations with those of school administrators and those of parents.
Posted by: Sheryl Morris | 02/09/2013 at 10:50 AM
I am a public school teacher. I am currently in training for an AMI diploma and have implemented Montessori in my classroom. It has been like giving these children Christmas! I am amazed at their joy, responsibility, and independence. When you see this kind of change in your classroom, you can't go back to the traditional way of instructing. Montessori needs a voice in the public school system. Especially for our children living in poverty. It is a Method that empowers them.
Posted by: Shannon Nuckols | 02/09/2013 at 07:05 PM
A thousand times YES!
My career has included being a Montessori teacher, administrator, teacher trainer, and parent of 2 children who attended schools that implemented the Montessori philosophy. More recently I have worked on 4 federally-funded demonstration and research projects (ERF and ECEPD); and currently I teach in higher ed.
The toughest part has been bridging the language and expectations of these two worlds! Neither recognizes what can be learned from the other.
Recent research in neuroscience and young children's learning was the focus of Maria Montessori's observations of how children learn and the basis of her pedagogy - over a hundred years ago.
Thank you for this thoughtful blog. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Susan Zoll, Ph.D.
Wheelock College
Posted by: Susan Zoll | 02/10/2013 at 07:57 AM
My three children all attended a public Montessori school that serves mostly low income and non-native English speaking families. It was a fantastic experience for them. I am now getting my AMI Elementary diploma. Those of us in the elementary course say at least once a day, "if only I had learned ____ this way..." Fill in the blank: fractions, history, geometry, biology, etc. It is all presented in such an irresistible way, building interest and love for the subjects and for learning. I look forward to bringing Montessori to more kids ... as soon as I graduate!
Posted by: Sandy | 02/12/2013 at 08:17 PM
I have heard that montessori schools in Minneapolis are wonderful. It is so different than regular public schools.
Posted by: Elijah Ali | 11/12/2013 at 02:43 PM
I love the link you shared with the FAQs on the differences between Montessori schools and more mainstream schooling. It's a great reference for any parent that's trying to decide what to do with their child's education. I'll be using it in the future. Thanks!
Rosie | http://www.montessorialberta.com/about.html
Posted by: Rosie Sharpe | 05/07/2014 at 12:10 PM