Graham Frey, an education expert, discusses problems in the education system, implications of technology, choosing the right school, free-range parenting, cultivating a healthy relationship with risk, building resilience in children, and reimagining education.
When evaluating a school, consider the alignment of the school's mission and philosophy with your family's values and choose a school that promotes a positive and nurturing atmosphere.
Assess the academic program, culture, and structure of a school to determine if they align with your child's needs and aspirations, ensuring a comprehensive fit.
Reflect on your own values and desired outcomes as a family when choosing a school, engaging in conversations to understand the school's culture, values, and approach to teaching and learning.
Approach your child's education with intentionality, defining your family's academic philosophy and goals, and finding a school that matches those values while being open to supplementing aspects outside of school.
Deep dives
Importance of Clear Mission and Philosophy
When evaluating a school, it is crucial to assess whether the school has a clear and simple mission that aligns with your values as a family. This mission should be supported by a well-defined philosophy that everyone in the school community understands and believes in. By having a clear mission and philosophy, you can ensure that the academic program, the culture, and the structure of the school are all aligned and working towards the same goal. It is also important to observe the school's culture, whether it promotes joy, engages students, and treats everyone with respect. Look for a school environment that supports your values and creates a positive and nurturing atmosphere for students.
Assessing Academic Program, Culture, and Structure
When evaluating a school, consider the academic program, the culture, and the structure in place. The academic program should be aligned with the school's mission and philosophy, providing a rigorous and engaging learning experience for students. Assess whether the culture of the school supports the desired values and positive relationships among students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, evaluate whether the school's structure, including facilities, resources, and policies, enables effective teaching and learning. By assessing these three components, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of whether the school is a good fit for your child's needs and aspirations.
Aligning Internal and External Values
When choosing a school, it is essential to consider your internal values as a family and how they align with the school's philosophy and approach to education. Reflect on your desired outcomes for your child's growth and development, as well as the skills and values you want them to acquire. Engage in conversations with school administrators, teachers, and students to get a sense of the school's culture, values, and approach to teaching and learning. By understanding your own values and desired outcomes, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your family's educational goals.
Intentionality in Education Planning
Approach your child's education with intentionality by defining your family's academic philosophy and goals. Consider what is important to you as a family, whether it's academic rigor, purpose-driven learning, or specific skill development. Find a school that matches these values and goals, understanding that you may need to supplement certain aspects outside of school. Remember that your approach to education can be tailored and adjusted based on your child's needs and growth. By being intentional in your education planning, you can set your child on a path to pursue happiness and success in their own unique way.
The Importance of Intentionality in Parenting and School Selection
Intentionality is crucial in parenting and school selection. Parents need to communicate their expectations and values to their children regarding school and hold intentional conversations with them. It is important to find a school aligned with these values and understand how the school measures success. By being intentional, parents can avoid unrealistic expectations and ensure the school is a good fit for their child. They should regularly evaluate their priorities and have open discussions with their children about their school experiences.
The Benefits of Allowing Kids to Learn Through Mistakes and Taking Risks
Parents should let their kids learn through making mistakes, taking risks, and experiencing setbacks. This approach helps children develop accountability, problem-solving skills, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. By allowing kids to face challenges and solve problems themselves, parents can prepare them for adulthood and help them become stronger individuals. Allowing kids to engage in activities outside their comfort zone, promoting independence, and reducing risk aversion are valuable in developing their skills and abilities.
Creating Non-Traditional Schools to Provide More Options
Creating non-traditional, high-quality schools is essential in addressing the limitations of the current education system. These schools should reimagine education and offer more choices to families in different communities. By building new schools that focus on engagement, learning through challenges, and holistic development, parents and students can have more options for education. The aim is to provide alternative models that prioritize communication, intentionality, and the preparation of students for adulthood.
Graham Frey has made a lifelong commitment to helping young people to grow and succeed. Graham currently serves as the CEO of Hallcraft School Studio and the past six years, was CEO of Alpha, an innovative network of K-12 schools based in Austin, Texas.
In this episode you’ll learn about the biggest problems in the education system, the implications of technology in education and how to go about choosing the right school for your children. You can also expect to learn about the idea of free-range parenting, cultivating a healthy relationship with risk, and building resilience and preparedness in children.
Chapters:
0:00 - Graham Frey
3:50 - Graham’s Background in Education
15:00 - The Biggest Problems in the Education System
20:55 - Implications of Technology in Education
33:27 - The Benefits of Adaptive Technology in Education
39:15 - What Makes a Good School
52:30 - Being intentional When Choosing Schools
59:10 - Free Range Parenting
1:06:15 - Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Risk
1:17:02 - Building Resilience and Preparedness in Children
1:28:17 - Starting Non-Traditional Schools and Reimagining Education
1:33:10 - How to Connect with Graham and the Work He is Doing
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Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
The Shame American Education - B.F. Skinner
Breaking Smart - Venkatesh Rao
Connect with Graham Frey
Website | hallcraftschools.com
Connect with Hannah Frankman:
Twitter | @hannahfrankman
Website | http://hannahfrankman.com
Follow along for conversations on education, lifestyle, personal development, and freedom. All in ardent pursuit of a life well lived.
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