hands on school or classic textbook?

[FINFAN]

How would you describe the approach your childs school takes in the educational process? I know with all the talk about NCLB that testing has become the focus in a lot of schools..including my sons old elementary. He now attends another school in the same district and they are night and day. Old one was severe in its structure, wanted robotic children, no creativity in approach to curriculum.....new school is quite aware that kids are exactly that, kids. Allow reading to take place on the floor...feel a too quiet classroom is a flag that kids are not "into" the subject, many hands on activities and group work. Kids are flourishing in this atmosphere, and get this, the state scores are competitive w/ the old, stiff school.
Just wondering what others schools are like.

Pam

 

[FreshTressa]

Ours is of the more rigid variety, which I prefer for my kids. They both learn well (better) from the traditional text book approach and it helps to teach personal responsiblity and discipline.

BUT I do think that there are some kids, like kinisthetic learners and the more creative sorts that don't do well in the traditional classroom and it would be great if we had a choice.

I think any one size fits all approach is bound to not work for some.

 

[mudnuri]

It depends on the subject in our school. obviously- reading and writing are "textbook"...however math, science and more are extreamly hands on....

Our schools are not focasing on NCLB test scores, matter of fact, our middle school, instead of accepting federal funding contingent on NCLB standards, decided to refuse funding from the feds...in order to reach the students they needed to reach, without pushing the standard tests, and having to score a certain score...it was really interesting to watch/hear the school board decide what it was going to do.

I'm very happy with our school districts stand on NCLB...

Brandy

 

[FINFAN]

mudnuri...sounds terrific! I hope more districts will follow the example yours is setting. Do you mind me asking what state/district you are in? PM me if you'd like. I am truly impressed as the kids are the #1 priority.

 

[janette]

All children learn a little differently, the search for the best method has continued to leave children lost because there isn't one answer. The best classrooms usually combine the different teaching styles so there is something for everyone.

 

[FINFAN]

I agree that a combo is necessary. The fact that our district is more stuctured than not is what got me to thinking about how other districts in other states are run. Just curious if one style stands out more than another. I am not looking to say one is better for everyone....actually what mudnuri posted is the sort of thing I am wondering about. What different districts choose to do. I guess I should've worded my subject differently...just wasn't sure how.
Anyone else?