By paul freedman, Salmonberry School
In the 8/2 edition of the Islands’ Sounder, Barb Skotte urged support for the Orcas Island School District.
She suggested that parents send their children to the public school to help strengthen this program, and I feel she implied that those who made other choices for their children were hurting the district. I would like to respectfully offer another perspective.
I taught in public schools for eight years and have nothing but tremendous admiration and respect for the educators involved in public education on Orcas Island. They do a fabulous job in fulfilling their mission and work tirelessly on behalf of deserving children. I admire the democratic ideal of public education and its mandate to serve all learners. For many parents and their children, the public school mission is a good fit, and I am so happy for the high quality of education they receive.
Other parents, however, have different educational goals. These parents should be allowed and encouraged to seek out educational alternatives that align more closely with their goals. Similarly, some children, for a variety of reasons, do not fit well in the mainstream setting. Again, these children deserve the opportunity to pursue learning in an environment in which they can thrive. Our community is only strengthened by the diversity of choices that it provides. Whether in education, health care, or other services, a wide array of choices is an indicator of a community’s health, vitality and sustainability.
Children who have experienced the holistic education offered at Salmonberry School have, for the most part, blossomed there. They have discovered that learning is meaningful and authentic and that it includes all aspects of themselves: head, heart, hands and spirit. They have learned that learning can be experiential and whole, that the value of their learning is found in their own reflection. They have developed their own capacity for internal and intrinsic motivation. They have realized that learning includes such notions as wonder, caring, beauty, reflection, engagement, passion, stewardship, deep connection to the natural world and artistic expression. Not to imply that all these things are not available to kids in the public school as well, but this has been the cornerstone of the Salmonberry experience.
There are many homeschooling families who are doing valuable work educating their children using all kinds of learning methods that allow them to follow the child’s passions and strengths. I am quite sure many Christian School parents have similarly chosen a model that fits best with their beliefs and goals for their children.
We are so fortunate that we live in a place where so many quality options exist, and where all parents are able to pursue the opportunities that fit them and their children best. Let those of us who have chosen professional careers of service not ever create a climate where we make people feel guilty for exercising their right to choose, especially when it comes to making choices for our children.
Paul Freedman is Program Director and a teacher for Salmonberry School.
