San Francisco school officials want to expand a Montessori program at one of the city’s public elementary schools. They believe that the alternative curriculum, which emphasizes self-directed, developmentally based learning, could benefit underprivileged students. But some teachers and parents at Cobb Elementary oppose the move, fearing it will push out the more traditional general education curriculum.
A Tale of Two School Programs
San Francisco school officials want to expand a Montessori program at one of the city's public elementary schools. They believe that the alternative curriculum, which emphasizes self-directed, developmentally based learning, could benefit underprivileged students. But some teachers and parents at Cobb Elementary oppose the move, fearing it will push out the more traditional general education curriculum.
Guests:
Jill Tucker, education writer for the San Francisco Chronicle
Rachel Norton, parent and member of the San Francisco Board of Education
Marystarr Hope, parent of a student in the Cobb Elementary Montessori Program
Jill Sprague, parent of a kindergartner in the general education program at Cobb Elementary
Lorie Jones, parent of a child in Cobb Elementary's 3rd grade