Brainstorm: What would your “perfect” 2E school look like?
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Anonymous
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I’m tired of fighting uphill. Seems like there are a lot of 2e parents on this board.
I’ve been talking to both for profit and non-profit organizations about starting a 2e-centered private school in the DC metro region. What would your ideal “2e” school have? Not have? What type of instruction? Supports? Physical space? Assume private, K-12 and centrally located. In this theoretical exercise your child has a fictional full ride scholarship so don’t worry about cost. Give me some ideas. I’ll post mine in the next comment |
Anonymous
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Small classes, mixed ages based on ability (like ages 7-9)
Adapted curriculum to where the learner is at Hands on learning Lots of choices for specials Special interests encouraged via self-directed learning opportunities School setting that doesn’t feel like a typical 1970s square building Special education teachers - where needed Speech/Language/OT/etc Social skills and social supports Community feel Field trips and parent involvement in shaping curriculum |
Anonymous
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My biggest pet peeve is that DC missed so much Language Arts time due to being pulled out for reading and OT for writing. I would like to see separate time for students to work on their challenges and still be able to get the appropriate language arts instruction. We resorted to (ear) reading books at home and getting worksheets and book report instructions from school to do at home. They need the books and writing assignments at their cognitive levels to be able to progress with more varied sentence and paragraph structures, more complex character and plot developments, increased vocabulary and background knowledge.
Another thing would be to build in movement throughout the day and provide rocker chairs and fidgets and other things like that. I would like to see much more advanced math classes than the current privates provide with teachers experienced in teaching those levels and hopefully more than just one or two students in the class. People that really really know what technology is out there, how it works and the ins and outs of fixing issues with it. Social skills building for everyone. |
Anonymous
| We didn't find it in DC so we left. We're at a small non-profit school in the midwest that we absolutely love and our child is thriving. |
Anonymous
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The problem with "2e" is that it is too broad. There are many kids are that are exceptional at either math or language arts. Which one would your school address?
The other is "e" is hard to put into one school as well. Will your school address "e" kids with --ADHD (impulsive) --Anxiety (flight/flight) --ASD (rigid) --Hard of hearing --Low vision --Physical disabilities --Dyslexia --Dysgraphia --Dyscalculia What is a perfect school for one child is a nightmare school for another child. |
Anonymous
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This would be amazing. I've often thought the same thing---that the DC metro area should be able to support a 2e school. I'd be willing to do more to start one up as a 2e Au/DHD parent--please keep us posted!
All of the things you've named, as well as: -openly accepts autistic kids -flexible assignments/curriculum -low student/teacher ratio -physical education / yoga (adaptive) -art/drama opportunities |
Anonymous
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I agree with much, much more movement. Like so much more.
Ability to take really advanced classes in as many subjects as they want. But also low pressure. Letting kids love learning (this is my 2e kids biggest strength and I protect it at all costs!) Small class sizes but multiple classes per grade. Teachers who have lots of support and energy to pass on to students. Places that are quiet. Places where it’s ok to be loud. Clear expectations enforced calmly and kindly. |
Anonymous
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The problem is it’s very broad and a class of 2E kids will need many different supports. I’m in Philly and there are a bunch of these schools here, each a bit different. Can still be hard to find a good fit.
They tend to have a project/interdisciplinary/expeditionary focus which is good for some kids but very hard on some anxious kids who want more predictability. |
Anonymous
| A ton of structure, but an understanding vibe, and absolutely zero use of screens (except for kids who need assistive tech). |
Anonymous
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Structured, explicit reading instruction from phonics to morphology to vocabulary and comprehension of advanced level texts
Structured, explicit writing instruction from the sentence level all the way to advanced writing, and the necessary EF supports for students who need them Unstuck and On Target training for all classroom teachers (not just the odd Special Ed teacher who isn't in the room with students daily) |
Anonymous
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For mine, ADHD ASD + gifted:
Agree with very low screen use. (But I can see how that need for my child could be the opposite of a kid who needs the accommodation to type). Lots of engaged classroom discussions (but I can see how that would be the opposite of what many other kids would want) with the ability to take breaks in an individual level. The biggest thing is intelligent, compassionate, well trained teachers and staff with low ratio. Robust arts and music and theater including orchestra/band/chorus Regular physical activity, preferably with morning options, with a variety of options like parkour, cycling, dance, gymnastics, swimming (hey we can dream). Executive function classes and supports Counseling |
Anonymous
I do really wonder why there are essentially no 2e schools in the DC area. They seem to exist other places |
Anonymous
Please tell us where you went! I would move for this. |
Anonymous
++1 I would also move for this. Where is this school?! |
Anonymous
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I would like a 2E school to focus on development of the child’s strengths rather than on remediation. Yes, kids need to be able to read and write, but too many 2E students feel flawed and are damaged by trying to meet all the demands of public school. Encourage deep dives into their interests, and use that interest to add on academic lessons.
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