|
 NPR is proud to announce its collaboration with the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) on a dynamic new video production Capturing The Essentials: High Schools That Make Sense.
This exciting video profiles three exemplary high schools in Chicago, New Hampshire and New York City through the eyes of students and parents. These schools bring to life the common principles of the Coalition in their daily practice by creating learning environments that are simple, flexible and humane.
Dr. Theodore Sizer, Chairman of the CES, provides commentary on how good schools are shaped by fundamental ideas that, if put into practice, transcend the current debate about curriculum and standards.
In this video, students and parents from:
- Chicago Vocational High School, Chicago, IL
- Soughegan High School, Amherst, NH
- University Heights High School, Bronx, NY
discuss how their learning environments are profoundly different from the traditional models that have governed secondary schools through most of the twentieth century.
A valuable resource for secondary administrators and educators, board members and parents, who are in the process of transforming their schools. Capturing The Essentials provides a framework through which a dialogue within a given community can be structured. Does the community want active classrooms utilizing group work? Should we teach using "essential questions"? Should assessments include exhibitions and portfolios?
With an ever changing world, our communities need to re-examine how we are preparing our young people for the twenty-first century. We need to re-examine what we value in our educational systems. This video will provide the platform for that much needed evaluation and dialogue.
This video provides a powerful message directly from the students and parents whose lives have been touched by schools that share common principles. No discussion about standards, higher graduation requirements or formal testing is complete unless you have seen Capturing The Essentials: High Schools That Make Sense!
The viewer will:
- Observe how the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) are implemented in three exemplary schools
- Hear from Ted Sizer, founder of the Coalition of Essential Schools, what the CES model is and how it differs from traditional educational models
- Become familiar with the concept of localism and how it can positively impact the structure and operation of a school
- Be able to identify critical issues that need to be examined within secondary schools that wish to ensure they are creating optional learning environments
- Hear testimony from students and parents bout the value of the CES model
|
