Imagine if instead of having to cram for tests and sit through lessons, high schoolers could graduate by navigating six “passages” that prove their practical, creative, and logical skills. Fifty years ago in Jefferson County, Colorado, a group of parents and educators created a school just like that and it’s still thriving today. Melyssa Dominguez and Jenny Long from the Open School join us today to talk about their unique program.

Melyssa and Jenny describe the “Walkabout” high school program. They explain each of the six “passages” and show how the model is supported by an advisory system and authentic evaluation process. 

Not only do Open School’s Walkabout graduates get eagerly accepted by colleges and universities, but the skills the students develop during their “passages” make them more likely to finish their diplomas than the national average. 

Listen in to learn what aspects of “Walkabout” you can apply to your own learning environment. 

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• The six “passages” Open School student must finish to graduate
• How the Open School does self-evaluation and transcripts
• The Open School’s advisory system

Resources:

• Learn more at jcos.jeffcopublicschools.org/curriculum/walkabout
• Read “To Create the World That Ought to Be: Memoirs of a Radical Educator” by Arnie Langberg

Produced by NOVA Media