Democracy in Education September 27, 2005

Isn't it odd that in a country based on freedom and democracy we have so few free and democratic schools? (Is it odd or is it planned?) How can we expect our children to come to adulthood understanding and practicing these principles if they have such limited experience with them? Ronald Meighan puts it even stronger in his article titled "An Education Fit for a Democracy". He asks, "Why is a totalitarian-sympathetic learning system operating in what likes to call itself a democracy? Our current system inculcates conformity, gullibility to the dictates of the rulers and directs people to 'know their place' in a stratified society." How can we change the world if we do not change our system of education?

Is it because we were all (or most all) trained in such a system that we can't imagine alternatives to it? What if we gave children authentic practice in freedom and democracy? What if we unleashed the creative potential of each individual in our schools? Might they not then be more critical thinkers, more creative problem solvers, more emotionally healthy as young adults entering our society?


Please join us for an evening of provocative conversation as we envision a healthier future. A critical examination of how we "train" our children seems imperative given the current state of the world.
The Village School is hosting an evening of discussion and reflection on freedom and democracy in education. We invite your ideas on making a difference by starting with the children. For more info: Rose & Gene Steenhoek genesteenhoe@hotmail.com