Traditional schooling has led to a lack in individuality and creativity among students. Few public schools support the unique types of learners there are. Some people learn visually, others learn auditorily, even some learn naturalistically. What students need is support for diverse learning and an opportunity to create an individualized curriculum. Recently, some charter schools, like Durango’s Animas High School, have offered a new learning opportunity for those who aren’t thriving in traditional school.
Curiosity-driven curricula have led to a more passionate student, but even charter schools need to support high test scores, prerequisites for college courses, and skills that graduates are expected to have. These requirements diminish opportunity to develop diverse creativity. Don’t get me wrong, general knowledge is important, but the skill of creating strong drive to learn and willingness to reflect better prepares for a student’s future; in contrast to the memorization of content in math, science, English and social studies. When students develop critical thinking skills, it improves attitudes towards learning and creates well-rounded, open-minded people. School has become more about passing and less about learning, which doesn’t support creativity growth: vital for success.
Not all students will flourish in the learning environment charter schools create because everyone learns differently. Nonetheless, students are lucky to have a second way to approach learning. Innovative school programs are the first step to creating a school system that supports individuality and creativity; however, much more needs to be done. Ken Robinson describes in his TED Talk how,“Picasso once said that all children are born artists. The problem is to remain an artist as we grow up.” He believes, “...that we don’t grow out of creativity, we are educated out of it.”
The school system needs altering to support diverse and creative students. Supporting the development of unique learners will create a society, passionate and willing to improve our human experience.
Celia Hale
Durango
