Customer Reviews

Democratic Schools

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is small, but do not judge it by its size. The message within is simple, but clear and powerful: Democracy in schools can and does work. Children want to learn and can be very active in making decisions about their learning. You will be impressed at the complexity the students in this book are able to handle. Do not think these are not gifted students, though. They are normal, every day, run-of-the-mill kids. Some are actually from the lower end of the socio-economic ladder.

Each glimpse into the four schools gives great examples and shows that democratic schools are not cookie-cutter schools. Each school has its own idiosyncrasies and ways to solve the problems all schools face.

Is this a how to? Not exactly. It does discuss the processes these schools went through and the issues they face. More than this though, it is a message of hope. It is a message that shows us real change can happen and can be lasting. All it takes is people who care.

...that this book wasn't very exciting. If you are interested in creating democracy within a school setting, this book has examples of real schools that reformed their management structure and curriculum and a public school that was created expressly with democracy in mind. Of particular interest to parent activists with be the chapter on La Escuela Fratney, a neighborhood school in Milwaukee that owes its existance to direct political action on the part of the people.