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The Student Experience at a CES School
The central principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools are that students learn to use their minds well, master a number of essential
skills and areas of knowledge, and that these and other goals should apply to all students. Although much has been said and written by educators about these principles, one mentor school wondered, “What does this mean from the students’ perspective?” We believe that we can only discover the true answer to this question by listening to the authentic experience of our students.
This Ask a Mentor panel is made up of three students, Betty, Jeremy, and Emily, who are seniors at Wildwood School and moderated by Wildwood Secondary Principal Mark Ossenheimer and Outreach Director Jeanne Fauci. They look forward to answering your questions about the experience of students at a Coalition School.
Be sure to check back later when students have had a chance to reply
| QUESTIONS with Answers |
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This is very exciting to have students participate in the CESChangeLab. I look forward to hearing your responses. I have been working at International Schools for 15 years during which I have been trying to promote change and bring a more CES philosophy to each school. This has been difficult as most schools have resisted change. One of the questions I am repeatedly asked is if this way of teaching is actually better for students and if so, can you prove it. What do you three think? What is so special at your CES school and how would you answer the question "Is it really better for students?" Secondly, another fear I hear regards preparation for standardized examinations. By adopting a "less is more" philosophy in which you cover less content but do it really well do you believe that you have been adequately prepared to sit the more "traditional" standardized tests that many universites require?
Brent Loken
Teacher of Science and Math
Taipei American School
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A: I think that this way of teaching is better. I am a senior and began Wildwood in 7th grade. When I first started I thought that this method would not help me because I was not learning from textbooks like the rest of my friends. Now that I look back, I’m glad Wildwood stuck to its own method of teaching because I feel I have gained so much more. An example is in math. Since most of our work is project based, I have learned so many real world applications of math as opposed to just learning how to solve the equation. Personally, I feel prepared for standardized tests because Wildwood makes it clear to us that even though they do not believe in testing, we will have to do it in college. I have had some classes where the teacher spends half of the lesson going over study habits and how to prepare if we were to have a test. So even though we do not have standardized tests we do know how to prepare for one. Betty V.
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I think that this way of teaching is better. I am a senior and began Wildwood in 7th grade. When I first started I thought that this method would not help me because I was not learning from textbooks like the rest of my friends. Now that I look back, I’m glad Wildwood stuck to its own method of teaching because I feel I have gained so much more. An example is in math. Since most of our work is project-based, I have learned so many real world applications of math as oppose to just learning how to solve the equation. Personally, I feel prepared for standardized tests because Wildwood makes it clear to us that even though they do not believe in testing, we will have to do it in college. I have had some classes where the teacher spends half of the lesson going over study habits and how to prepare if we were to have a test. So even though we do not have standardized tests we do know how to prepare for one. Betty V.
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We are planning four CES Elementary Schools, two K-8 and two K-5. Presentations of learning are still to be finalized but are being planned for in each of schools at every grade level. Based on your own experiences at Wildwood, can you comment or make suggestions about how POL's with younger students could be done in a beneficial manner? Would the "habits" be differant at the K-8 level from those you have addressed as high school students?
I had the pleasure of attending a workshop with Wildwood staff regarding the Habits of Mind and Heart your school utilizes in all your curriculum and learning. In what ways did these habits of mind and heart influence you in your learning and how important do you feel they are in your total educational experience?
Thanks in advance for your insight.
Billy Hufford, Mapleton Public Schools
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A: At first I thought the habits were not important…it was just another way of Wildwood being “different.” Now that I am a senior, I have been reflecting on my growth through the years and realized that the habits have helped me with my essay writing. I now know the steps needed to write a strong persuasive essay. I feel that my writing has gotten better due to the habits of convention, evidence, perspective and connection. Every time I sit down to write an essay I know I have to follow basic conventions of writing, I have to include multiple pieces of evidence to support my point and make connections as to why my evidence is important. Also, I have learned that you should include multiple perspectives because it gives the reader an idea of other possible views. I guess what I am trying to say is that the habits have had a great impact on me and have helped improve my level of work. I realized how important these habits were when an alumni came back to visit Wildwood. She said that her first day in her dorm she put up the seven habits on the wall to remind her of what is needed to have a well done project. This stood out to me because it showed how important these habits have been for many Wildwood students. Betty V.
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Can you tell me about your assessments? For example, do you choose your own items to put in a portfolio? What opportunities do you have to showcase your work? What items are you most proud of personally and why? (Sorry, I know that is more than one question...I am curious!)
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Assessments revolve around our seven habits. For every project we are given a rubric that lists the seven habits and under each habit are different parts needed to complete the project. In the assessment, the teacher basically comments on how well you followed the rubric and how well you addressed each part of the project. The assessment is very detailed so you can learn what to do better in the future. For example, you might have included great evidence in a paper but your connection to your thesis might not have been strong. The assessment would let you know that and sometimes you might get comments on how to improve that specific section. After reading the assessment you would know that in the future you need to make stronger connections…that is a very short explanation, but I can take up like five pages trying to explain an assessment.
As for portfolios, we are given a list of major projects done each year and those are the documents included in our portfolios. We have gateways and exhibitions. They are usually an hour long and that is the time we present our portfolios and explain what we learned in the past two years and why we are ready to move on to the next level. Gateways are held at the end of 8th grade and 10th grade. Exhibitions are for seniors (we present our senior projects and graduation requirements/documents). Students are also allowed to sign up for Art Galleries where they can showcase their artwork. This happens about one night every two weeks and students can invite family and friends to come to Wildwood and see their art display…this is a very exciting and joyful time for many art students because they get a place to display their artwork. Betty V.
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I am a new superintendent of schools. This morning I spent 1 1/2 hours with the students in our high school student government. I asked the students three questions. What do you want to preserve at the high school? What do you want to change at the high school? What do you want to try new to make the school a better high school. Can you answer these questions about Wildwood School?
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I think I would want the school to preserve its sense of community. Being one of the few students of color, I have always felt welcomed at Wildwood. Wildwood allowed me to develop a strong sense of who I am. Due to the welcoming community, I was given the opportunity to share my culture and ideas with my peers. Recently a friend and I put together a diversity conference for the high school, which allowed students to sign up for different workshops about topics they were interested in. For this conference, we were able to stop classes for the day (which is something not many schools would allow their students to do).
If I could change something I think it would be the athletics program. I know Wildwood has been trying to help, but due to the lack of facilities we have not been able to build up a strong program. I have been involved in sports since day one and it is hard to leave the school knowing that our athletics are not fully established. This is also something that depends on the students and their level of participation. Wildwood cannot change that, nor do I expect them to, but it would be nice to have been part of a strong program.
I’m not sure what new things I would try…I pretty much like Wildwood the way it is. I know most of you might think, “she HAS to say that” because I am representing the school, but I really do like Wildwood the way it is. Betty V.
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My favorite thing about Wildwood is the close relationships that students have with faculty. This is definitely the aspect that I would want to preserve. These relationships add to the community of the school, which is very comfortable and tight-knit. This community allows students to thrive in their academics.
Even thought I love not having to take tests, I feel like the school is beginning to realize that they are necessary for high school students… just because we need to learn how to take them for the SATs and college. Although it goes against the values of our school, I think that there could be a way to give tests without allowing them to be a part of our grade. Emily B.
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Hey guys, no real question, just want to take the opportunity to check in and say hello. Have you all figured out what is next for you after you leave Wildwood? Oh, and by the way, if you miss the bad joke of the week you can go to the Federal Hocking web site and catch it under the high school page, advisory. Be well, do good things, have fun. All the best, Doc Wood.
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Hey Doc Wood! It’s still hard for me to believe I am graduating this year. It feels like I just began Wildwood and now it is time to leave it and move on. As of right now, I do know where I will be going next year. I am still waiting to hear back from schools. Oh yes…the famous bad joke…those were pretty bad, but I have to admit I do miss them. I guess I’ll be checking that website soon to catch up. Well, thanks for checking in! Betty V.
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I am curious as to whether any of the students have had any experience with Don Cohen, the Mathman. I have used his work with students all the way from age 4 through Highschool. He is the finest Math teacher that I have ever encountered and has been acknowledged many times by Scientific American and mathematicians of all stripes. You can look up his materials at http://www.shout.net/~mathman
HIs first book which is still one of the best is Calculus for and by 7 yes 7 year olds. I have actually taught bright verbal 4 year olds and they love learning to use and program the calculator for iterations and other functions as well as making all kinds of graphs of their work.
I have also found that the work of Mona Brookes in learning to draw www.monart.com has been a terrific boon to the students with whom I work. Blessings to you all, Bud Weiss
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Thank you for the information. I have never heard of Don Cohen but I will look him up and see what he’s all about. Seems interesting. Betty V.
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I've always thought the best way to understand CES and its principles was to hear students speak about their experiences in CES schools. Students keep it real. That said, my question for the students (as well as the adults at Wildwood) is, to what extent do you think is it important that students are aware of, understand, and believe in the underlying learning philosophies and methodologies of the school? Are there any of the 10 CPs that you (students) don't fully understand, and if so can you speak to how much it matters that you (students) understand these underlying principles, i.e. the basis for how a classroom is organized or a school designed? Big thanks for offering your perspectives.
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I think it is very important for students to understand the philosophies and methodologies of the school. When Wildwood first began, I did not fully understand the habits and the “Wildwood way.” Then again, I was in seventh grade and didn’t really care what the goals of the school were. Then I got my first round of assessments and realized I was doing something wrong. After that I made a goal to understand the habits and get used to this new form of teaching. Since 7th grade my grades improved drastically and that was because I finally understood what Wildwood wanted from a student. So to answer you question, YES I think it is important for students to understand because it will only help them know what the school expects from a student. Betty V.
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1. Many students who graduate from high school struggle in college. What are some of the most important things you've done at Wildwood to--hopefully-- ensure college success?
2. If your responses to the above question qualify as Wildwood "strengths", what are some Wildwood "stretches" for the future?
I wish the three of you the best. Thank you.
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Wildwood has put so much effort into creating a great college counseling system. We have two college counselors for about 60 students, which is great because they get to know us really well and give us a lot of personal attention/guidance. I think that Wildwood students are very well prepared for the writing and presentations that will be done in college. This is not surprising, considering the amount of time we spend writing papers and doing projects. Wildwood students have said to be overwhelmed by the college workload, which is a feeling experienced by most college freshmen experience. Our big stretch is our lack of testing, which is something the school is aware of and trying to improve. Emily B.
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What equity/responsibility do students have in the improvement of educational processes?
Reason for this question: Students appear not to have a voice in public education, except within an essential schools environment. Law, regulation and local practice appear to work against substantive student contribution.
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I think that Wildwood definitely gives students a voice in the development of the school. Coming from public school, this has been a great change. For the most part, I do not have any complaints about the system or way of teaching here. For the few problems that I’ve had, it was very easy to approach my advisor and talk with him/her about them. Sometimes my advisor will help me solve the problem through our meeting. Other times, I know my advisor will take appropriate steps to get something done… or advise me in what I should do next. Emily B.
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I have two directions I would like you to consider responding to. First, I am curious about student relationships regarding learning attitude and setting expectations. What is the relationship between students when setting goals and standards? Do you feel compelled to demand that your peers do their best on all assignments or is this reserved for the teacher? Do you believe that student ownership for their own learning and their peers' learning should be a part of your school culture and community if it is not already? Second, what is the most valuable component of the presentation of learning? In what way do you believe the presentation of learning fosters student ownership for their learning and growth? Lastly, I very much appreciate your thought towards these questions and thank you. Your insights are where the real lessons begin.
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Growing up I learned that the only way to get through school is by setting goals for yourself. Being in a classroom with about 12 students, allows everyone to give each other moral support when it comes to assignments and projects. Also the teacher expects you along with you classmates to do your best on the assignment. As you progress through your high school career, you learn to become more independent and become skilled at being in charge of your own learning experience.
I will answer the second part of your question shortly.
Jeremy P.
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