Schools: "Progressive education" and 'The Winnetka Way' (Lincoln: top school, tuition)

[Vistap]

I read this article and was looking for help from Winnetka or North Shore parents:

Educational approaches: River Forest v. Winnetka | News | OakPark.com

Educational approaches: River Forest v. Winnetka

District 90 superintendent follows progressive education north to 'The Winnetka Way'

Thomas Hagerman is leaving one top school district for another come June when the superintendent departs the River Forest elementary schools and heads north to Winnetka. Beyond the usual upsides of a larger school district and a larger paycheck, Hagerman has said he was attracted to the Winnetka elementary schools post because of the district's history of "progressive education."

What is progressive education and how does it compare to the educational approach Hagerman will leave behind when he departs River Forest after a three-year tenure?

The Winnetka public schools are famous nationally among educators as one of the cradles of progressive education.

Progressive education (google John Dewey) has been sharply criticized for being socialist and hurtful to children. Charlotte Iserbyt's book covers it. 'Why Johnnie Can't Read' was a reaction to it, etc. etc.

My question is: 1) Why do Winnetka parents support this? and 2) I suppose New Trier test scores refute the critics of this method?, and 3) is it true that they don't "track" kids because of Dewey's ideology?

thanks!

[chet everett]

I can't think of a better way to start than by going off half cocked.

Nearly any sane person would look at the success and parent participation in Winnetka and conclude that the long history of success is no danger:
About the District | The Winnetka Public Schools

[Hatchetman]

"progressive education" must be bad. sounds like something fox news would rail against.

[LIS123]

I believe the Francis W Parker school in Lincoln Park is one of the nation's most well-known schools that is based on the progressive education philosophy.

I'm not sure if would have been the best for me (I'd prefer the more traditional approach, like its rival to the south offers), but students seem to have a good experience at Parker. That said, it's very hard to get in and very expensive (with pressure to donate on top of tuition).

[urza216]

Originally Posted by Hatchetman

"progressive education" must be bad. sounds like something fox news would rail against.

haha. Yeah, it does..

[linicx]

This thread was bumpted; Closed.