Experimental Methods

Provision of compulsory education through experimental learning, often evident by new or innovative ideas, methods, or subject matter organization, in comparison with traditional/standard education methods.

Resources in this category:

American Montessori Society
http://www.amshq.org/

Site provides information on the history, philosophy, and practice of Montessori education as well as resources on member schools, parental and public involvement, and teacher education programs. Additional information is provided on the Montessori Society: history, membership services, and sponsored events.

Association for Experiential Education
http://www.aee.org/customer/pages.php?pageid=28

Resources on this site support the mission of AEE, "to develop and promote experiential education…to support professional development, theoretical advancement, and evaluation of experiential education worldwide." Information on conferences, research, publications, professional groups and a job clearinghouse are some of the offerings of this site.

Association of Waldorf Schools in North America (AWSNA)
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/

This website provides resources on the AWSNA, and informs users about Waldorf Education: the classroom and curriculum, arts and practical skills, and the education and role of the teacher. Resources for alumni and AWSNA publications are also available.

Coalition of Essential Schools (CES)
http://www.essentialschools.org/

CES's mission is "to create and sustain equitable, intellectually vibrant, personalized schools and to make such schools the norm of American public education." CES's website provides resources on the CES network of schools and educational centers, their small schools project, a job board, as well as an extensive searchable compilation of resources covering the areas of school design, classroom practice, leadership, and community connections.

Enki Education
http://www.enkieducation.org/

"Enki Education, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization which strives to recognize wisdom and vitality wherever they arise. In this spirit, all our programs incorporate many different outlooks and approaches. These are woven together in such a way as to support our fundamental premise: for adult and child alike, educational excellence, confidence and well-being depend on the integration of body, heart and mind. This integration is our central focus in all programs." Site provides information on Enki Education philosophy as well as resources for parents (articles and curriculum information) and teachers (teacher training course descriptions and admission procedures).

The KPM Approach to Children
http://www.kpmapproach.org/

Site provides information on the KMF approach to children, a set of principles that reflect the child's needs and nature to guide adults in their behaviors and skills to help children develop fully, as well as the KMF model school (in India), and branch school (in the US).

Sudbury Education Resource Network (SERN)
http://www.sudburynetwork.org/

"The Sudbury model is a set of ideas. 'Freedom', 'Democracy', 'Trust' and 'Responsibility' are at its core. These ideas are implemented in democratically-run schools where children direct their own education. Each school that implements this model is unique, and we celebrate their vibrant diversity and commonality." This site provides resources on the Sudbury model and its history, including happenings/events and contact information for networking with schools and groups.

The Textmapping Project
http://www.textmapping.org/

Provides resources to help teachers use paper scrolls and colored markers to teach reading comprehension skills and classroom content.