What Makes a Progressive Education
What Does It Mean To Be Progressive in Education?
At the recent Orientation Dinner for Parents of New Students, at which we annually welcome families whose children are just starting their journeys at Colorado Academy, I had the pleasure of interacting with many new families. Whether their child is starting in the pre-K, or as a high school freshman, or any place in between, these parents all share the same sense of excitement (and some nervousness of course) about coming to a new school. As I spoke to a few specific Upper School parents, I was pleased to hear from them that they specifically chose CA for its progressive approach to education.
Going back to the great educator John Dewey in the early 20th century, progressive education has typically underscored a philosophy of preparing students for the real world. Progressive education is seen as a means to produce well-informed and well-equipped citizens who can make contributions to society. Learning is very student-centered, authentic, and outward looking.
So what aspects of CA’s Upper School would I point to that make it a progressive educational place?
- We have as many courses that are either co-taught, team-taught, interdisciplinary, or some combination as we have Advanced Placement courses.
- Many of our courses are project-based or have other authentic assessments. Yes, all students take traditional tests, quizzes and essays, but so too do they make presentations, take part in debates, create real-world solutions to problems, and learn by doing.
- We consider emotional intelligence to be as important as academic intelligence.
- Critical thinking is held in equal esteem to content acquisition.
- We are a safe space for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political views, socio-economic class.
- All students are required to do academics, arts, athletics and experiential education, as we see all these aspects of CA’s program to be vital to a student’s growth.
- Most student clubs emanate from student interests and passions, rather than being prescribed by adults. Therefore, extracurricular engagement is more organic and authentic.
- Teachers do not rest on their laurels or rely on “tried and true” pedagogy; rather, they have a growth mindset and are continually looking to get better. The school’s generous professional development helps support their growth.
The list could go on. Head of School Mike Davis’ talk to the parents at this event effectively reinforced all these ideals. He pointed to the values of the school, reviewed the mission statement, and encouraged parents to let their students try (and occasionally fail) in the safe and supportive environment that is Colorado Academy.
To all the new families: we are glad you are here! And to our returning families, I am looking forward to another great school year.
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