We speak with Deborah Meier and Jane Andrias, pioneers in the democratic small-school movement. Debbie founded the Central Park East Schools. Jane Andrias was an art teacher and principal at Central Park East I. Debbie and Jane discuss these ground-breaking schools, their ethical foundations, the “habits of mind” they worked to instill, and the challenges they faced.

*This is Part One of a two part episode. 

Overview

00:00-00:43 Intros

00:43-01:52 What would a school fully focused on preparing students for a democraticsociety look like?

01:52-03:08 Impacts of curriculum and school environment

03:08-05:40 Students’ voice in what they are learning

05:40-11:01 Democratic, progressive, ethical schools: are they synonymous?

11:01-18:32 Examples of ethical dilemmas and decisions

18:32-22:07 Negative effects of tracking and what the alternatives look like

22:07-24:19 Building long-term trust

24:19-26:05 Including all school staff members in decision-making and obstacles

26:05-29:57 Including parents and students

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

References

Soundtrack by Poddington Bear