This post will be particularly good for me as I tend to be an eternal optimist, which means I sometimes fail to consider the downsides of any idea. Here goes!
Is someone else already working on this problem? If so, how are they doing?
School of One is focused on offering each student a personalized education. However, since their model is based on an algorithm, from what I've seen, students spend most of their day at a computer. That's an idea I can't get on board with. On the other hand, the philosophies and practices at High Tech High seem to match well the ideas I've had, including giving students the chance to explore their own personal interests through projects. I will definitely be doing some more looking into this option!
If others have failed in solving this problem, why did they fail?
I believe most charter schools are founded on the idea of doing things differently. However, from my experience, they end up doing the same thing in approximately the same way. Classrooms look the same as public schools, curriculum looks the largely the same, and teachers are just as overworked.
I believe the answer here is twofold: 1) innovation on every level of the school from curriculum to building design, and 2) alternate sources of funding to allow more freedom and flexibility.
Is there anyone who doesn't want this problem solved and can they stand in my way?
My guess is that there are people in leadership positions from the federal government to local schools that have reasons for needing to maintain the status quo. However, with the recent explosion of charter schools into the school system, it seems unlikely that an additional school that wants to do things differently would arouse much attention.
Are there any laws or regulations that stand in my way?
As far as I'm aware, there are no laws or regulations that limit what can be done in a private school. I will continue looking into this question as it is an important one.
What will happen if I try to solve the problem and fail?
At this point, not a lot. If it gets to the point where we're able to have our own facilities, the stakes will be a bit higher. This is a question that will need to be addressed and communicated with stakeholders throughout the process of creating the school.
Is someone else already working on this problem? If so, how are they doing?
School of One is focused on offering each student a personalized education. However, since their model is based on an algorithm, from what I've seen, students spend most of their day at a computer. That's an idea I can't get on board with. On the other hand, the philosophies and practices at High Tech High seem to match well the ideas I've had, including giving students the chance to explore their own personal interests through projects. I will definitely be doing some more looking into this option!
If others have failed in solving this problem, why did they fail?
I believe most charter schools are founded on the idea of doing things differently. However, from my experience, they end up doing the same thing in approximately the same way. Classrooms look the same as public schools, curriculum looks the largely the same, and teachers are just as overworked.
I believe the answer here is twofold: 1) innovation on every level of the school from curriculum to building design, and 2) alternate sources of funding to allow more freedom and flexibility.
Is there anyone who doesn't want this problem solved and can they stand in my way?
My guess is that there are people in leadership positions from the federal government to local schools that have reasons for needing to maintain the status quo. However, with the recent explosion of charter schools into the school system, it seems unlikely that an additional school that wants to do things differently would arouse much attention.
Are there any laws or regulations that stand in my way?
As far as I'm aware, there are no laws or regulations that limit what can be done in a private school. I will continue looking into this question as it is an important one.
What will happen if I try to solve the problem and fail?
At this point, not a lot. If it gets to the point where we're able to have our own facilities, the stakes will be a bit higher. This is a question that will need to be addressed and communicated with stakeholders throughout the process of creating the school.
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