Mike Klonsky - The Small Schools Movement

The transcript discusses the origins and development of the small schools movement, initiated by educators like the speaker and Bill Ayers. It highlights research on the negative impacts of large schools on issues like violence and test scores, leading to the creation of workshops for alternative schooling methods. The movement emphasizes democratic education, social change, and innovative practices like project-based learning. It also addresses challenges in implementing these ideas within a standardized education system, advocating for authentic assessments and resisting privatization. The speaker remains active in promoting these educational reforms.

What was the primary motivation behind starting the small schools workshop at the University of Illinois in Chicago?

How did the size of schools influence negative outcomes such as school violence and test scores?

In what ways did the small schools movement aim to create democratic schools?

What role did the deschooling movement play in influencing the small schools movement?

How did the small schools movement challenge the traditional education system?

What fundamental question was the small schools movement trying to address regarding education?

What are some of the external pressures faced by educators in the context of the small schools movement?