Today The Baltimore Sun published an article describing different options to traditional public schooling. Covered are private schools, charter schools, and home schooling.

A new charter school has opened up in our community, and I realized that although I’ve heard of the concept, I didn’t know exactly what the definition was. So I looked it up on Google:

“Charter schools are public schools that must implement open enrollment, employ educators who hold valid teaching licenses, and comply with most of the same regulations as other public schools. The purpose of charter schools is to (1) continue to improve student learning, (2) encourage the use of different and innovative teaching models, (3) create new professional opportunities for educators to design and implement learning programs, (4) increase choice of learning opportunities for students, (5) establish new models of public schools and a new form of accountability, and (6) provide for greater parent involvement.”

The article “Design for learning” on CNN.com discusses evolving school designs—both curricula and classroom. Although lacking in in-depth detail, it’s a good overview of the trend of newer educational techniques within our school systems.

As a Montessori parent, the idea of a student-directed schedule appeals to me. I’m an adult and there are times in the day that are better suited for me to do different types of work. Don’t we think children are the same way? And if after-lunch isn’t a good time for math for John Doe, it’s more likely that he’ll sleep through the lecture.

The trend certainly seems to be led from within private schools, most likely due to financial issues. Portable electronics (laptops, PDAs, even scientific calculators) are replacing the single 5-year-old dusty desktop in the corner of the library.

These ideas can also be applied to the home classroom, both for home-schoolers and for traditionally-school children’s non-school time. Natural light, workstations, and a variety of activities and toys can help stimulate children from multiple facets.

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