PAIDEIA (py-dee-a) from the Greek pais, paidos: the upbringing of a child.
Paideia is a teaching philosophy proposed by Mortimer Adler and based on the belief that all children can learn and all children should be given the best education possible. The one-track liberal arts curriculum reflects a commitment to provide all children the opportunity to learn at high levels. National, state, and local standards, rather than textbooks, drive the curriculum. In addition to the core curriculum, all students take a foreign language, art, music, and physical education. The three columns of Paideia instruction define CSLA’s magnet theme and drive the instruction. Didactic instruction is active and engaging, and used to introduce students to basic facts. Socratic seminars give students opportunities to explore deeply the ideas and values in a text or other medium. The majority of instructional time is spent in intellectual coaching, with the teacher facilitating and the students practicing skills and using information in ways that lead to higher-level thinking. Academic coaching also takes place in small, flexible groups before, during, and after school. Didactic Instruction for increasing students’ factual recall Intellectual Coaching for developing students’ literacy and math skills Seminar Dialogue to strengthen students’ conceptual understanding Field studies, balanced literacy strategies, inquiry, experimentation, and hands-on activities are important instructional tools that push students to take ownership in their learning. Respect for differences is evident in instruction; struggling students are identified early and interventions are put into place. Likewise, extension activities are designed for accelerated students. Inclusion teachers work alongside the classroom teachers and work with all students, not just those identified for special education services. For more information, read The Paideia Proposal by Mortimer Adler or check out the website of the National Paideia Center. Click here to visit the National Padeia site. |
Paideia Philosophy |