DPS Incorporates Tuition-Free Montessori Programs Into Some Schools
DETROIT (WWJ) - Some Detroit Public Schools teachers are undergoing training for new Montessori programs that will be in three schools.
The first new public, tuition-free Montessori classrooms will open in Detroit for the start of the 2016-17 school year.
Detroit teacher Nicola Turner is managing the launch and tells WWJ's city beat reporter Vicki Thomas it's re-energizing staff members:
"Not only for the district but for all of us," said Turner."It will not only change our children's life but our lives -- to me that is priceless." In tears, she said she's "so happy that this is a great place to work finally."
The district is planning to expand the age cohorts as well as the number of schools offering Montessori.
"We believe it's trans-formative that Detroit has chosen to join the national movement to open public Montessori schools," said Keith Whitescarver, NCMPS Executive Director.
"That's one of the reasons it's significant and a huge deal - quite frankly - it's going to be free. Tuition free. Montessori programming in Detroit. So it's extremely significant and what we are looking at with DPS CD - looking for ways to innovate teaching and learning differently and this is one example - this is not going to be the only example. This is one example and this will appeal to certain families and certain teachers - who want to teach," says Interim Superintendent Alisha Meriweather.
The district is planning to expand the age cohorts as well as the number of schools offering Montessori.
"Beginning at an early age, Montessori students develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence; students are part of a close, caring community; students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge; and self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach."
The district has begun taking applications for early childhood (ages 4-6) and early elementary (grades 1-2) multi-age classrooms at Edison Elementary School, 17045 Grand River Ave.; early childhood classrooms at Spain Elementary-Middle School, 3700 Beaubien St., and an early childhood classroom at Maybury Elementary School, 4410 Porter St. The early childhood classrooms utilizing the approved Montessori curriculum complement the district's more than 175 pre-kindergarten classrooms offering the High Scope curriculum. Funding for this innovative program was made available through the recent state legislative transition investment for Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Parents can find registration information [here] or call 313-240-4377.
