On a large scale I don't think we can or will move beyond these
individualistic approaches, but certain schools-classrooms do and can
create environments that are more collective. For example, Holzman's
reference to the Barbara Taylor school points toward a more collective
approach to education where "learning" is seen in a more collective than
individualistic way. In *Dreamkeepers*, Gloria Landsing Billings looks at
both traditional (teacher centered ?) and whole language culturally
relevant teachers and one of the things they have in common is avoiding
individualistic approaches to learning. A "community of practice" was used
to describe both educational approaches that are guided by culturally
relevant practices. Delpit in her research in Papua New Guinea and Alsaka
pointed toward a more pluralistic as opposed to homogenous approach to
educational success. One in which the schools relationship to the
community in a big factor in its success. As Billings remarks if Bennett
can have his narrative of a successful school, so could she, a school in
which a space was available with information for parents and the community,
a place where students could have access to minimal healthcare, child care,
and other related services. Certainly, a different version of school that
emerged through the 20th century. A "boundary object" in more than just a
political way, but a sociocultural way.
But, I suppose that would become too much of a threat, the powers that be
are served better if we are all competing with each other (students,
teachers, and schools).
Nate
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Dillon <dillonph who-is-at northcoast.com>
To: <xmca who-is-at weber.ucsd.edu>
Sent: Monday, July 19, 1999 1:52 PM
Subject: Re: individuals
> Eva,
>
> I think there have been some proposals in this direction insofar as
schools
> are held accountable for the aggregate level their students attain on
> standardized tests. As far back as 1993 I attended conferences at which
> federal DOE officials were talking of success based funding.
>
> Of course, the bottom line is that the individual is tested but the
emphasis
> might cause schools to broaden their perspective on what works, what
> doesn't.
>
> Nevertheless, I don't think this effort ever did become tied to funding.
It
> is always threatening as in the current California Community Colleges
> "Partnership for Success" proposal that will link funding to the colleges
> aggregate rates on various "success" indicators.
>
> Paul Dillon
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eva Ekeblad <eva.ekeblad who-is-at ped.gu.se>
> To: xmca who-is-at weber.ucsd.edu <xmca@weber.ucsd.edu>
> Date: Monday, July 19, 1999 8:55 AM
> Subject: individuals
>
>
> >Hi all
> >
> >Does anybody see "the individual" (or sum of individuals) being
abandoned
> >as the main unit of accountability in educational systems within a
> >foreseeable future?
> >
> >Eva
> >
> >
>