We speak with Deborah Meier and Jane Andrias, pioneers in the democratic small-school movement. Debbie founded the Central Park East Schools. Jane Andrias was an art teacher and principal at Central Park East I. Debbie and Jane discuss these ground-breaking schools, their ethical foundations, the “habits of mind” they worked to instill, and the challenges they faced.
*This is Part Two of a two part episode. Go back one episode or click here to listen to the first part.
Overview
00:00-00:41 Intros
00:41-07:30 Parent involvement
07:30-12:05 What happened to Mission Hill?
12:05-23:04 Survival of innovative, democratic schools;
What do we have education for? Education and democracy
23:04-24:45 Justice and fairness
24:45-26:37 Community service; connections to the adult world
26:37-29:37 Choices schools make based on what they value
29:37-36:46 Documentary about impact of CPESS on graduates’ lives
36:36-38:39 Human capital
38:39-40:57 Need funding for the documentary
40:57-42:41 Films and TV about the schools
42:41- Outro
Transcript
Click here to see the full transcription of this episode.
References
- Here’s a list of all the books written by Deborah Meier.
- Click here to know more about the CPESS documentary and other initiatives by Deborah Meier and Jane Andrais.
Soundtrack by Poddington Bear