Small by design

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Professor Ted Sizer describes the beginnings of the small school movement in America and outlines its core principles. Knowing your children well is key. In Boston the education department were aware many of their students were losing out and decided to change. The change became the Boston Pilot School Network, a group of 20 schools with no more than 450 students each and lots of autonomy. Peggy Kemp, Headteacher, Fenway High School, talks of the negotiations. Linda Nathan, Co-principal, Boston Arts Academy, outlines what freedoms they have and speaks of her vision and commitment. Creating a learning community where teachers, students and parents work together is central. For the pupils the schools are exciting, classes are fun and they learn a lot. Teachers know their learning styles and support them both emotionally and socially. For the teachers having control over what they teach, how they teach and why they teach is empowering!