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Thinking, Creating, Reflecting: Impacting the Future

Letter from the Principal: Mar. 18, 2022

Spectrum Families and Friends, 

As I was writing a proposal for a conference next year, I realized it might be informative for you to know Spectrum is not alone in its value of progressive approaches to education. Below is a set of principles from the Progressive Education Network, of which we are members:

The   Progressive   Education   Network   (PEN)   promotes   a    vision    of   progressive   pedagogy,   acknowledges   its   historical   influence,   and   advocates   for   its   dynamic   potential   to   impact   students   and   their   schools.    PEN   identifies   six   principles   of   progressive   education:   

  • Amplify   students’   voice,   agency,   conscience,   and   intellect   to   create   a   more   equitable,   just,   and   sustainable   world.   
  • Encourage   the   active   participation   of   students   in   their   learning,   in   their   communities,   and   in   the   world.   
  • Respond   to   the   developmental   needs   of   students,   and   focus   on   their   social,   emotional,   intellectual,   cognitive,   cultural,   and   physical   development.   
  • Honor   and   nurture   students’   natural   curiosity   and   innate   desire   to   learn,   fostering   internal   motivation   and   the   discovery   of   passion   and   purpose.   
  • Emerge   from   the   interests,   experiences,   goals,   and   needs   of   diverse   constituents,   fostering   empathy,   communication   and   collaboration   across   differences. 
  • Foster   respectfully   collaborative   and   critical   relationships   between   students,   educators,   parents/guardians,   and   the   community. 

I’ve bolded phrases that resonate with me. What are yours? 

I wish you all a safe, happy, and fun spring break.

Mary Beth Cunat

Principal

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