Interview 11 of Twittering for Education
I gather weekly with educators who envision the ideal school. We collaborate online for what we believe would be the environment students should learn. I believe we learn through models of schools that demonstrate innovative practices. In 1989 such an innovative school did exist, the Saturn School, and my guest this week, Dr. Tom King (@ProfTK) was the founder and Director.
How did the Saturn school differ from the norm?
- was a magnet school serving students in grades 4 – 8, many at risk, and parents could choose to send their children there instead of the local public school
- noted for its innovative uses with technology at a time technology not as highly developed
- visited by the current president at the time, President George Bush Sr., who spoke with the children
- used local resources such as the public library, the science and art museums, state and local government
- established mentorships and apprenticeships with businesses and agencies
- had differentiated staffing: a lead teacher, associate teachers for curriculum, generalist teachers, intern teachers
- had a longer school year, ungraded, no report cards or textbooks, instead had student portfolios
- had a school council of staff, parents and students
I recently interviewed Dr. Tom King about his success at getting such a school established. Listen to his interview where he shares incredible insights about school reform and how we can make our dreams for education a reality.
More Information
A preview of the Saturn School as told by the students:
** Discover research, news articles, and so much more about the Saturn School by visiting this website, Saturn School of Tomorrow (1989-2003)
Bio
Tom King is a retired math teacher, the founder of the Saturn School of Tomorrow, adjunct professor for 35 years +, husband, father, grampa, friend, tennis and golf partner, coffee buddy, reader, photographer, poet, and a marveling lifelong learner. He blogs at Tom King’s Blog of De-Fog and tweets by the handle, @profTK. Read his previous contributions to Teacher Reboot Camp.
Previous Interviews
Check out the previous interviews Twittering for Education- Jo and Phil Hart, Twittering for Education- Eric and Melissa Sheninger, Twittering for Education- Will and Elle Deyamport, Connected Principals- George Couros, 1:1 Programs- Rich Kiker, Mobile Learning with Kids- Scott Newcomb, Effective Leadership: Interview with Patrick Larkin, Using Skype for ELT Lessons: Interview with Marisa Pavan, Teachers as Leaders and Continuous Learners: Interview with Dr. Doug Green, and Blogging with Students: Interview with Greta Sandler.
Challenge:
Ask Dr. Tom King for help or support in getting your school to implement innovative change! He’s willing to Skype with your administrators!
