Student Autonomy and Leadership

 Boarding school in Suffolk, Britain  Children have the maximum freedom to live and learn  Not obligated to attend any classes  Does not follow the British curriculum or force students to take exams  Rules created and enforced through a democratic process by the students  Produced artists, dancers, actors, professors, hedge fund analysts, and other professionals

 Diversity, structure and organization, and agency separate the traditional school from the new paradigm

 Allowing students to choose what to do in school helps children learn to take initiative and helps preserve creativity which are necessary qualities of the entrepreneurial spirit.  Forcing students to follow directions, to complete what has been prescribed and to comply with external expectations sends a message that academic success is important, not for personal reasons, but to please others

There are three characteristics that separate traditional school from the new paradigm:  Diversity  Structure and organization  Agency

 Complex environments  Broad, rich curriculum  Students should try different activities and discover the passions and strengths  Flexible space  Different types of classes and ways of presenting  Wide range of adult talents

 Flexibility which allows for personalization  Diverse resources  Provide opportunities to have different experiences and consult with adults about the consequences of different experiences

 Idea of community  The child-centered paradigm believes that the school should fit the child and children must be involved in the making of the environment.  Students should become partners of their educational experiences.