The often-quoted author and educator Tony Wagner writes a great deal about innovation in schools, and laments the failure of most to teach students the skills they need to become innovators in whatever they do. Wagner applauds classes that are “hands-on” and where “students are creators.” He says the culture of learning that excels at education for innovation and helping students to find and pursue their passions are places that celebrate “play, passion, and purpose.”

 

I couldn’t help but think of Wagner’s “three P’s” as I stood in awe of this week’s All-School Arts Festival, with student art, puppetry, performances, music, and dance, all surrounded by the CA community.  Last summer, CA sent a number of teachers to the famed “Bread and Puppet Theatre” in Vermont. This outdoor festival is celebrating its 50^th year, and CA’s fine and performing arts faculty gathered ideas and inspiration that they brought back to CA students.

 

The result was a festive dance of butterflies and birds, a dance of sea and jungle animals, a parade of a 20-foot-tall bird, all accompanied by student musicians and singers. Our faculty led our students to that place where they both embraced the lesson and were comfortable to see how the results unfolded.  It was a display of collaboration, problem-solving, unbelievable creativity, and a lot of fun. Bravo to all of our artists and performers, and  I’m already wondering what this group of very talented teachers might lead students to do next year.