naming schools

We are schools that practice democracy in action. I thought we had a name... league of democratic schools, did I miss something. It is what we do not the name so much, but I understand the idea.... not sure where we are going but will help if I can. sometimes when I put things like this out to kids, I get the most amazing return.

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Permalink Reply by rob williams on February 4, 2009 at 11:49am: I think Michael made sense...why a name. Our schools might, be affiliated with Essential Schools, First Amendment Schools, LODS...or the like. What defines us, is our work within our school. I am struggling with the need for a name. This idea to name, came after Sam's talk about the problem with being a First Amendment School. Defining ourselves. More later.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sam Chaltain on February 4, 2009 at 12:11pm: I think the key is not so much to name the work as to name the process. Whether you're in the FAS or FFP or LODS etc network, what matters most is that, as a leader, you are committed to creating high-quality learning communities, and that your action plans will only materialize after you skillfully engage all stakeholders in considering what needs to get done. In this sense, you don't need a name at all -- just a clear sense of what you need to do to create the optimal conditions for shared decision-making to occur. This is what I meant by painting with a canvas that is always intentionally left partially blank. And this is what I hope the book's framework of skills can help with -- again, it's that delicate balance between freedom and structure.

Eager to see what others think about this important question.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael Soguero on February 5, 2009 at 10:49pm: Rob,
Just to be clear - I was genuinely curious as to why you were suggesting we come up with a name. I wasn't trying to make a point that we do or don't need one. I was just wondering why you were asking. There may be very sound reasons for a name. I just didn't know. It appears from Wendy's and Sam's remarks that there's some more focus on the substance of the schools vs. the naming. I look forward to our ongoing dialogue.

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