On Tuesday we had the wonderful opportunity to take our learning off campus and spend time at the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry. This included a warm welcome from staff and students, a thorough information session with principal Jeff, and a self driven tour to explore the schools functions and students. I have to say, I was skepital at first. Having grown up in a very strucutured school system it was hard to imagine how this school would run smoothly. In my mind there could only be one way of operation – chaos. I was quickly surprised when I walked through the doors and found students working away in the collaboration space with no sight of scheduled teacher instruction. This was especially interesting once I found out that all students are working on independent inquiry studies of their choice and interests. I think this is an incredible option to our standard traditional high schools, and would allow for students with different needs and learning styles to excel. One of the biggest takeaway points I left with was that the principal mentioned this educational system is set-up in a way that integrates students into society gently and encouragingly. I believe that we tend to grow up in a “bubble” that is our school and are not nearly as prepared for the real world once graduation passes. Life skills such as public conversation and integration are just as important as academics!

To contrast, I do see the limitations to this kind of schooling in terms of grade/age level. Students whom were of the elementary category would likely not have the skills required to navigate their own personal learning journey. From this, I believe that students need autonomy and choice to be able to blossom to their full potential. I will take these learning perspectives from PSII with me into the elementary classroom as best I can to ensure that students gain the deserved amount of independence, mastery, passion, and social skills, that they should have before they enter the world of the working class!