Coalition of Essential Schools Summer Small Schools Summer Institute 2007

Patricia A. Grimsley, Coordinator
Florida School Choice Resource
Nova Southeastern University

The Coalition of Essential Schools Small Schools Summer Institute was held on Miami Beach, Florida from July 9-13, 2007 at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa. The institute provided a great opportunity to network with other participants and to learn about the work of the small schools that are members of the coalition. Many of the participants were from conversion schools. This means that the schools were a part of a larger comprehensive school and was divided into smaller schools that share the same campus, but operate as autonomous schools or traditional public schools that had become charter schools. The other group of schools represented was charter schools that were not conversions.

Since this is the first conference for this writer, it was an opportunity to learn about the work of the coalition. Most impressive was the emphasis that the coalition places on learning from each other through Critical Friends Conversations (CFC's),   Interest Group Gatherings (IGG's) and team meetings.   I attended the workshop, Hip Hop in the School Community. This was a real eye opener. The students of High School for the Recording Arts Charter School of Minneapolis, Minnesota showed a new side of hip hop. The workshop taught that hip hop is a wonderful tool that can be used to motivate students to learn the basics of education. This writer can no longer say, "I do not like hip hop." There is something for everyone in hip hop.

Again, in the IGG, working with students proved rewarding. This group tackled the topic, "Do Minorities Teachers Do a Better Job of Teaching Minority Students?" The conclusion of the group was that a good teacher can teach any student. However, the group, especially the male participants, felt that a male of his culture might have a better understanding of what he is experiencing and could therefore relate better to him.

The CFC topic was thought provoking, "How can schools grapple with various belief systems to establish a community that embraces the experience and perspective of all students?" The group was very small, but much conversation was generated by the culturally diverse group.

The coalition's number one principal, "Learning to use one's mind well," was evidenced by the students who were a part of the institute. Students are taught to have a voice and it showed throughout the institute. Students were major contributors and they had something to say that was worth listening to.

Submitted by:   Dr. Patricia Grimsley

Coordinator, FSCRC