Standardized Testing and the Montessori Classroom
Standardized Testing and the Montessori Classroom by Sarah Weber, M.Ed, AMI
Standardized testing is one way to evaluate student knowledge, skill, and ability that has been used for hundreds of years. The goal of these tests is to offer formal, consistent data to compare student standing. Unsurprisingly, there is controversy about the pros and cons of this assessment type. In 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act mandated that schools in all 50 states complete yearly standardized testing. Years later, in 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act was passed to reduce standardized testing.
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Freedom & Responsibility: The Power of Self-Discovery in Late Childhood & Early Adolescence
By Jennifer Robertson, UE Guide
Dr. Montessori considered the late elementary and early adolescent planes of development to be the gateway to adulthood. When she and her son Mario were creating the Cosmic Curriculum, they believed that students in the 9-12 age range were at a point in their development when their minds were opening to the world around them. And then after, during the adolescent period from 12-18, the child's mind becomes focused on the creation of self-identity in relation to this knowledge of the outside world.
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Nurturing Creativity and Individuality in Art Education
By Tod Seitz, SJMS Art Teacher
In the realm of education, three distinct approaches converge for their dedication to nurturing creativity, fostering individuality, and encouraging holistic development. These approaches are Montessori, Art Education, and the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. While each of these methods has its unique principles and goals, they share a common thread of valuing the creative spirit and holistic growth of a child. In this blog post, we will explore the harmonious relationship between Montessori education, art, and the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner.
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Ready, Set, Fail!
The Art of Making Mistakes
By Sarah Weber, AMI, M.Ed
Failure is inevitable. Mistakes are guaranteed. Our work as guides for children and adolescents dwells not in avoiding failure and mistakes. It lives in the short neuron connection between each failure and the way we choose to engage it. We are the voice that our children hear during these moments. We get to be the role models that consistently navigate mistakes with a growth mindset.
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Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Peaceful Conflict Resolution
By: Sarah Weber, Upper Elementary Guide
Because we are social creatures, conflict is inevitable. Conflict exists, at times, in all relationships. Our goal is not to avoid the conflict itself, but to engage in a process of peaceful resolution when conflict occurs. In order to support children in peaceful conflict resolution, we must first understand our supporting role as an adult in their lives. It is our responsibility to create a loving space to offer opportunities to use this technique and to model the process in our own relationships.
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What does the Student Services Manager Do?
What does the Student Services Manager Do? By Student Services and Student Support Manager, Chelsea Hinshaw
Hi! My name is Chelsea Hinshaw and I am the Student Services and Student Support Manager here at St. Joseph Montessori School. I have been working at SJMS since last October, and have learned so much already from this wonderful community. Being a lifelong learner is an important quality in Montessori education, and over this summer, the school invested in me and paid my way for myself and two other teachers to attend a one-week intensive Orton-Gillingham training program. I will use this training to support students at the Lower Elementary level.
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