All posts by sandefer

Welcome back – at least to a few

April 15, 2013Apprenticeships, Hero's JourneyAnasandefer

Today was our first day back from a two week Spring Break, at least for a few Eagles.

As you’ll see from the photo above, we had quite a few “no shows” this morning. Sleeping in? Spring Fever? A flu epidemic?

Not hardly.

You see, many of our Eagles are working at their apprenticeships. For some, what was meant to be a four day experiment has turned into a two week (or longer) assignment.

One Eagle emailed last night about her apprenticeship:

“I’m glad to say that things have been great! I’m learning about all of the positions and roles in the communication department, sitting in on meetings and learning SO much. Everybody here is so kind and it’s inspiring how they’re doing something meaningful.

In fact, tomorrow I will be working so I won’t be able to come to school. Hopefully, for the rest of the week I’ll be able to come for at least part of the school day.”

Later I heard from her mother that this Eagle hated to miss the first day back, but “had a 2 PM meeting that was too important to miss.”

Eleven years old, and already too busy changing the world to rush back to school.

Don’t worry. She’s several years ahead of grade level, so this industrious Eagle — working on the side — is still likely to finish her high school academic requirements while she is still in middle school.

A sprint towards reality

March 31, 2013Core Skills, Culture, Eagle Buck-Pts, Portfoliossandefer

Whew! Another Acton Academy session completed.

Weeks and weeks of “intentionality” – this session’s battle cry – sprinkled with fun and intense learning. One Eagle captured it perfectly: “This session seemed to fly by in a day.”

The Salem Witch Trials; assembling portfolios; serious reflection; anticipation of next session’s adventure – it was a busy, high energy, intentional final week.

Not every Eagle finished with an apprenticeship; a few have been rejected several times and now must go to “Plan D, E and F.” Not every Eagle completed the lofty end of session goals, so our special group outing was postponed.

Sure, it would have been easier if we had adjusted the goals, so everyone could win. If we made exceptions so there was a fairy tale ending. If we made sure our Eagles won the game every time.

But that’s not the way the real world works. Our goal isn’t college ready graduates, nursed on “straight A’s” and cheap self esteem. Not poseurs, nor those who hide behind false perfection. Never “cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”

Instead, our goal is to equip and inspire Eagles to succeed and fail – fighting a worthy fight; becoming who they were meant to be; building deep and nurturing relationships.

Heroes who will change the world, real world heroes who are willing to accept – and even celebrate — the bumps, bruises and disappointments that reality demands to make a real difference.

Reading

March 29, 2013Core Skills, Culture, Portfolios, Reading, UncategorizedCharliesandefer

When the middle school started in September, a surprisingly large number of Eagles hated to read – particularly books that were forced on them by adults.

A love of reading had never been sparked, or even worse, had been extinguished.

Early in the fall, we encouraged each Eagle to read something, even a comic book, about a subject they were passionate about. For the boys, that often meant Lone Survivor or other books about war.

This week, as part of updating portfolios, we asked Eagles for a list of books they have read since January 1st.

The answer: 80 books. That’s an average of one book, every two weeks, for each Eagle.

Sure, some Eagles are more voracious readers than others. But each and every Eagle can now be seen sitting on the floor or lounging on a beanbag chair, with a favorite book in hand.

A love of reading; a thirst for curiosity. Perhaps the most important discover a young hero can make.

And the vedict is….

March 28, 2013Exhibition, Psychology Quest, Quests, Salem Witch TrialCharlie, Elliesandefer

“All rise. Court is in session.”

Today the Elementary and Middle School Eagles recreated the Salem Witch Trials.Would those accused of witchcraft and sowing illness in Salem hang or go free?

The setting was 17th century Salem, but Eagles were free to submit 21st century forensic science and psychology experiments as evidence.

Elementary Eagle Townspeople protested outside. Opening statements came from the prosecution and defense. Witnesses were questioned and cross examined. All written by the Eagles, based on 17th century characters they created.

Finally it was time for closing statements in the Middle School trial. Then the judge delivered instructions to the Parent Jury.

After fifteen minutes, the verdict was in: the defendants were “not guilty,” but asked to close a local bakery that may have been responsible for illnesses in Salem.

Case closed – and the end of another successful Quest.

What would you change about Acton Academy?

March 27, 2013Collaboration, Galileo Trial, Ranch trip, Uncategorizedsandefer

Today, I asked in group: “What would you change about Acton Academy?”

The answer below, but first a few glimpses of our Eagles hard at work, making the final push on Core Skills, Portfolios, Apprenticeships, Learning Badges and the Salem Witch Trial (tomorrow.)

Q: “What would you change about Acton Academy?”

The first response: “I wish we could spend more time at school, because there’s so much to do.” The next four students agreed, each adding their own reasons for wanting more time at Acton.

Gamifying PE

March 25, 2013PE, Psychology Quest, Questssandefer

Coach Carpenter was out of town, pursuing an entrepreneurial mission. So did we cancel PE? Not a chance. Before any Guide could intervene, several Eagles seized the moment and began planning the day’s physical activities.

They even added an element of gamification to PE – with the puzzle problem below.

In the afternoon, Eagles reviewed the Social Psychology experiments we have conducted, in preparation for Wednesday’s Salem Witch Trial.

Work hard. Play harder.

March 22, 2013Consequences, Core Skills, Culture, Eagle Buck-Pts, Math, Smart GoalsAna, Crayton, Ellie, Kenzie, Sarasandefer

Eagles work hard. Every week.

Want some proof? Since January each Eagle has logged an average of 1904 minutes on Khan – that’s five hours per week of activity. And since each minute logged on Khan comes with another minute or so of focus, it’s really more like two hours a day of intensive math.

Some Eagles are quicker on math; others have to put in more time to master a skill. Thankfully, every Eagle can move at his or her own pace. And Eagles help each other, as long as they remain in a purely Socratic mode.

Our middle schoolers are on pace to master Arithmetic and Pre-Algebra by the end of spring. Every Eagle. Not a passing grade of 70. Not even an excellent grade of 90. Mastery. One hundred percent mastery.

At this pace, all of our Eagles would be through Calculus by spring of 2014. Through Calculus. Before high school begins. (Yes, they’ll probably slow down. Still, a torrid pace.)

Here’s a shot of the Eagle Scoreboard, a compilation of their individual SMART goals, displayed for all to see. It’s a visual reminder of all the hours of hard work in various subjects, with each goal set by an individual.

Eagles work hard. So by Friday afternoon it’s time for an hour of Monopoly or Life or even a few hands of poker.

Games? Surely a waste of time. Absolutely, unless you are interested in critical thinking, mastering probabilities, learning about human nature or social skills.

Work hard. Play harder.

Preparing for Trial

March 22, 2013Quests, Salem Witch TrialCraytonsandefer

Today Eagles prepared for next week’s trial, analyzing a large decision tree that laid out the possible outcomes for accusers and those being accused. More Process Drama followed, as characters and scenarios were refined (each Eagle must stay in character the entire period.)

Forensic experts (from the last session) submitted scientific evidence; judges ruled whether evidence was admissible, using standards derived from yesterday’s courtroom simulations.

Then lawyers, defendants and experts prepared opening statements and written testimony. Immediately afterwards, Eagles watched a series of film clips about opening statements, testimony and closing statements, engaging in pointed critique and debating the most important elements of each.

Then it was back to work revising statements and preparing for court.

Last night one Eagle went home and spent hours on the courtroom simulator, working through a complete trial. This morning she said: “I think I want to be a lawyer.” (The world may have more than enough lawyers already, but not enough great ones who believe in leading heroic lives. )

The virtues of the legal profession notwithstanding, it’s a good bet that our Eagles know more about courtroom procedures than graduates of elite law schools, where rough and tumble courtroom antics take a backseat to legal theory.

Next week, we find if the witches hang or go free.

Something wicked this way comes

March 21, 2013Exhibition, Quests, Salem Witch Trialsandefer

Today the MS Eagles were introduced into Process Drama, where after being given a set of rules, they created characters from Salem, who by interacting with each other, write a drama as they interact.

All of the lessons we’d learned earlier about crowd psychology and game theory came to life in the town.

Later the Eagles played a rich interactive computer simulation to teach them how a real courtroom works, and how questioning and cross examination can be used to convict or free a defendant.

All of this in preparation for next week’s trial, where a real jury will decide if the Witches of Salem go free or hang.

Is it possible to teach creativity and critical thinking? Not from a book. But you can learn to solve difficult problems and overcome challenges – if the stakes are high and you are given the right tools — and freed up to “learn to do” as you explore the “learn to be” parts of your human nature and those around you.

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble

March 20, 2013Civilization, Culture, Exhibition, Journey maps, Quests, Salem Witch Trialsandefer

This week marks the start of our Salem Witch trials, re-enacted with modern forensics.

Eagles first played a complex game resembling the Prisoner’s Dilemma, where townspeople were given a series of choices to accuse their neighbors or risk being accused themselves (a game that Federal prosecutors increasingly are using to coerce confessions from lower level operatives to convict higher level bosses – whether they are guilty of a crime or not.)

In eleven minutes, almost every citizen in the town had either been afflicted or put to death – showing just how quickly fear can spread in a mob.

Later, Eagles watched a clip of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, and discussed persuasive techniques that an individual could use to disperse a mob.

Next Thursday, Acton Academy parents will sit as jurors as we reenact the trial, deciding whether the witches live or die.

The inspiration that comes from guiding others

March 19, 2013Collaboration, Communications, Core Skills, Culture, Guides, Hero's Journey, Independent Learner, Math, Reading, Socratic, WritingCrayton, Ellie, Mason, Pacesandefer

The word “inspire” means to “to breathe life into.”

Our Middle School Eagles are full of life already, but have been even more inspired lately by earning the chance to guide Acton Elementary School Eagles in Math and Reading.

It’s important to note the word “guide” versus “teach.” We believe the deepest and most powerful learning comes from having a Socratic Guide as your partner, rather than suffering a lecturing adult teacher posing as an expert.

Our MS Eagles earn the right to guide an elementary school Eagle by completing a Learning Badge challenge. Each Learning Badge challenge earns the right to 30 minutes of guiding time, which comes with a learning covenant and feedback on the Guide’s performance. Complete a dozen or challenges and you earn a Learning Badge.

Our MS Eagles consider it a privilege worth working hard to earn, and are lining up to do so.

All Eagles will move from the Independent Learner badge to Running Partner to Socratic Guide to Project Guide to Curriculum Creator, until by high school each Eagle is capable of running a school (or company or non-profit) on their own.

Think of it. An army of bright young people guiding each other, delivering “learn to do” and “learn to be” skills and lessons better, faster and far less expensive than adults.

You might even call it a revolutionary idea.

History, and the stories that bind us

March 18, 2013Civilization, Core Skills, Hero's Journey, Socraticsandefer

Namaste. The light within me recognizes the light within you. A lovely tradition started by Ms. Laura, the “Namaste” that begins every session of Middle School History brings us together; as a group in the present, and with the cultures that we meet in our collective past. It gives us a loving foundation from which to separate in lively disagreement, while always maintaining our curiosity and mutual respect.

History holds a special place in the Acton curriculum. In some ways, it stands alone, yet it also encapsulates everything else we do.

We look at History and ask the Eagles to ponder why civilizations rise and fall, and to notice patterns of Hero’s Journey archetypes. This year, we also ask the overarching question – which happens to be endlessly interesting when looking at human history- of whether the past determines the future.

Sometimes this thinking happens in the form of silent reflection; more often, in the form of Socratic discussion. We put the Eagles in the shoes of a decision maker, and ask them to grapple with often thankless propositions, just like real leaders, bold or reluctant, must do.

This session, we’ve broken down the question of why civilizations rise and fall into four categories, inspired by Michael Mann’s extensive studies of the Sources of Power. For every world-changing event the Eagles explore, they analyze whether the effects were economic, political, ideological or military. They’ve created an ongoing timeline that cross-references the year, the event, and the implication.

The final piece of the puzzle is the question: What is your place in history? What history will YOU make?
We use History Challenges as a way to immerse students more deeply into the details of our world. Some Challenges have been very analog; fill in the names of the countries on this blank map of the Middle East, for example, after learning about the decline of the Ottoman Empire and noticing together that the lines drawn at the end of WWI have grave implications for international relations today. Other History Challenges are digital; one example would be asking Eagles to play an online game that puts them in the shoes of a young person during the early years of the American Revolution.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html?ref=style&_r=0&gwh=22E89A72C9B2479A0B565B76285D17B6

But the most profound challenges have been when Eagles are asked to investigate their own family histories. As an article in today’s NY Times points out, understanding your family history is a powerful motivator. At Acton, we build community in a way that stresses the narrative of our community, and everyone involved understands why this community exists, what it stands for, and why they are are a part of it. With gratitude for our community, Namaste.

Just Another Friday (guest bloggers: the MS girls)

March 15, 2013CultureAna, Claire, Ellie, Kenziesandefer

Today was a great Friday at Acton Academy Middle School. After a focused, intentional day of learning and Socratic discussion, the boys left early for AirSoft. The girls didn’t expect anything unusual to happen, but as soon as the boys left, Ms. Abigail had a surprise for us….as soon as the boys were out of sight, all the girls piled into a car, wondering where they were heading. After a few hours we started seeing signs for Six Flags!!

After we made it through the gate, we rode roller coasters 200 feet high going down at a speed of almost 100 mph! After we were done doing roller coasters, we hopped on a bus and Ms. Abigail said, “We’re going to the airport.” As soon as we got to the airport Taylor Swift was there! The girls waved frantically at her, yelling “Taylor! Taylor!” but she ignored them because she’s a snooty famous person and she was in first class, while we were in regular class with a throwing up man, a crying baby and a whiny five-year-old kicking the backs of our seats and begging for a cookie.

As we were buckling up the stewardess came by and asked us if we wanted pillows for our flight to ENGLAND! When we got to England, we were greeted by Queen Elizabeth.

Then as we got to the castle, everyone from One Direction rode in on unicorns with bagels and cream cheese (butter for Claire) for all of us!

Then One Direction started performing live and all the girls were eating bagels. Then an alien rocket came down and took us all in their UFO back home!

From Tribes to Prison

March 14, 2013Psychology Quest, QuestsCharlie, Claire, Hayes, Kenzie, Pacesandefer

Today we continued the Psychology Quest by recreating (with kinder and gentler oversight) the Stanford Prison experiment made famous by Zimbardo, with Eagles tribal loyalties still fully intact.

During launch, Eagles were informed that there were secret police among them, armed with the power to arrest for a “lack of intention” or even on a whim. Tension was in the air during Core Skills.

Mid-morning, we paused to run the Prisoner’s Dilemma, and discussed what game theory can teach us about human nature; how “past determines the future” and the importance and fragility of trust.

Then, at 11 AM, one Eagle donned a hat, reflective sunglasses and a badge and made the first arrest. Soon, another arrest followed and more Eagles were deputized to serve as jailers.

At first, all of those jailed were Oranges, leading to charges of prejudice. Then a few Reds filled out the prison. Only a few Eagles remained as bystanders.

Grievances were filed. Privileges taken away. Punishments levied. Punishments increased. Soon a few guards – surprisingly some of the kindest Eagles – began to let power go to their heads. Duty became cruel delight.

One Eagle prisoner agreed to denounce his tribe (photo above as an Eagle changes his tribe colors); in a real prisoner’s dilemma bind, an Eagle ratted out an innocent classmate; another prisoner agree to become an informant in return for pay and privileges.

Before long, a number of Eagle prisoners were in solitary confinement. And even some taunting began. It was time to call the experiment before things got out of hand. (Guides commented how eerily the posing mimicked photos from Abu Graib.)

During a lengthy debrief, it was clear that powerful lessons had been learned, like:

“Given power, a human will become an animal;”
“Power hides the truth;” and
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Then it was time to heal the tribe. In a powerful ritual, the Eagles tied their tribal bandanas to a rope that was used in a trust exercise, and then following a discussion about and photos from Abu Graib and how each of our shadows can cause us to treat fellow human beings as objects, we buried our shadow objects and reunited a tribe.

Understanding the power of Tribes and Shadows. Feeling the power of a Shadow unleashed. Turning Shadows from projection to Gold. All experiences that leaders who will someday change the world should experience, long before they hold the corrupting influence of real world power in their hands.

Tribes II

March 14, 2013Psychology Quest, Questssandefer

Today was our second day of dividing MS Eagles into the “reds” and “oranges,” an experiment launched by giving each Eagle a red or orange bandana.

The results were startling. Below, statements overheard during the day:

“We are the Orange Empire. We must assemble to protect ourselves.”

“Red’s have the smartest and best.”

“We are going to hold you hostage.”

“From now on, only the Red’s can…”

“You, Orange, you are going to jail in the girl’s bathroom.”

“Freeze Red, in the name of justice.”

“You Oranges are weaklings.”

“Who is your leader? We will assassinate him.”

The most aggressive tribe began wearing bandanas over their faces, outlaw style, as if to protect their identities.

All of this occurred after Eagles watched a video about mass killings of Hutus by the Tutsi in Burundi, and Guides pleaded for all to work together in harmony.

In the Elementary School, where the experiment was running in parallel, a study group that has worked together for over a year split up. One identical twin Orange turned against her Red sister.

All because some Eagles were handed red pieces of cloth; others orange.

Only one Orange said he couldn’t turn against the Red. His family has strong ties to the University of Oklahoma (red jerseys), rivals to the hometown Texas Longhorns (who wear orange.) Apparently some tribal affiliations are stronger than others.

Many years ago, I met a man who worked for General Electric in Yugoslavia. He told of being warned by the US State Department to leave the country because ethnic tensions were on the rise:

“I told them the warning was ridiculous. I knew these people. The Serb and Croat neighbors on my street had lived and worked together for decades and were peaceful people. Yet I was ordered to leave.”

He continued: “Less than 24 hours later, neighbors on my street, people I knew, friends who had barbequed together and whose children were lifelong friends, were butchering each other.”

Tribal affiliations are a powerful and deeply imbedded part of our human nature. Something Eagles who want to change the world should understand, on a gut level.

Tomorrow, a powerful twist on the experiment. Then we bring all of the Eagles back together into one tribe.

Tribes

March 13, 2013Psychology Quest, QuestsCraytonsandefer

Once the world was patriarchal. Then hierarchical. Today the world is much flatter. But relationships still matter – self organizing tribal relationships.

As a continuation of our Psychology Quest, we moved from individual dream and shadow analysis to group psychology. Today we gave each Eagle either a red or orange bandana.

No instructions, except to tie the bandana around your arm.

In less than five minutes, the groups had formed into tribes and engaged in “us versus them” behavior. Less than five minutes.

Today the experiment continues.

DST

March 12, 2013Culture, Energy and flow, Socratic, Troublesandefer

The discussion this morning was terrible. Low energy. Lethargic.

Even Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address couldn’t penetrate the fog. Uncharacteristically, no one seemed willing to participate.

What to do? Simple. Ask the Eagles what was wrong. So I did.

The answer: “Daylight Savings Time.” Everyone was tired and grumpy from getting up one hour earlier.

The solution – an unscheduled fifteen minutes outside in the cold air, running and jumping and playing. Then back to work, with new energy.

It’s one of the secrets to Acton. When something’s not going well, we ask the Eagles. And then let them solve the problem.

Tragedy of the Commons – Part II

March 8, 2013Consequences, Covenants, Culture, Distraction, Guides, Troublesandefer

Want to take on an impossible task? Try transferring janitorial duties to a group of middle schoolers.

At Acton Academy it’s our Eagles responsibility to clean the sink, mop the floors and empty the trash – every day. With no help or intervention from Guides.

At first this took a great deal of patience. The room looked (and at times smelled) like a college dorm. But finally the Eagles rallied to form a cleaning crew and spruce up their new home.

Sadly, after a while enthusiasm waned and we slipped back into bad habits. That is, until the Acton elementary students wrote a series of letters complaining about the trash and how it was damaging the Acton brand. There was talk of an intra-school suit for damages, perhaps a Chapter 11 bankruptcy with elementary students as overseers.

The middle schoolers rallied again. But a few weeks later slipped back into slothful habits.

Then, a novel idea. We divide the room in half and separate the Eagles into two teams. At the end of clean up, the an elementary student serves as referee, with one of two choices:

Declare one side the winner. Winners go outside the next day during free time.
Declare the entire classroom “pristine,” which means both sides can go outside (Hasn’t happened yet!)

As shown above, the Elementary Eagles take great pride in their new responsibilities, and the room has never been cleaner.

We set the rules; Eagles decide whether or not to play. Even when it comes to cleaning the bathrooms!

Our best ideas come from Eagles

March 8, 2013Collaboration, Communications, Core Skills, Culture, Energy and flow, Journey maps, Math, Reading, Writingsandefer

Flow, the feeling of being “in the zone” while working, is a powerful force at Acton Academy. When an Eagle is in flow in completing a Khan math exercise; reading a book or writing a speech, learning happens at an extraordinary pace.

Collaboration is an important part of Acton Academy too. Sometimes you need a friend to explain a difficult concept, or even more importantly, to ask the right question. Almost all of the real learning at Acton is student to student, not Guide to student.

But collaboration can interrupt flow. And too many interruptions can ruin a two hour block of Core Skills time.

So what to do?

Our Eagles came up with this solution – a Collaboration Request board. Now if you need to ask someone to collaborate, you post a request rather than interrupting. When your potential collaborator takes a break, he or she can check the board and rendezvous at a set time. Plus, we have a record of the peer to peer learning.

Collaboration happens. Flow is protected. Our best ideas come from Eagles. Every time. If we just ask.

Only the Shadow knows

March 7, 2013Culture, Hero's Journey, Journey maps, Psychology Quest, QuestsClaire, Pacesandefer

Today our Eagles explored their “Shadow,” the unclaimed part of the psyche that leads us to project our fears and worries on others.

Is there a politician you truly despise because he or she seems “dogmatic?” Carl Jung would say this is a part of you disowned at an earlier age, more than likely because you were shamed when you exhibited a similar behavior. (Shadows also show up as the dark or scary characters in your dreams.)

Shadow projections cause us to blame others. Shadow projections are the root of scapegoating. Shadow projections waste an incredible amount of energy that could be put to a more positive use.

The antidote to your shadow is to turn the negative into a positive – “dogmatic” becomes “principled” when the cause is just; “laziness” becomes “rest” when used wisely; “silliness” becomes “fun” with a different perspective.

Above Eagles trace their real shadows. The interplay between symbols and ritual in the real world can help reveal new insights in the inner world.

Here Eagles turn “dark” shadow images into their positive counterparts.

Why does this matter? Because our young Eagles are going to change the world. Having the tools, intentionality and courage to take an inner Hero’s Journey provides reserves of moral judgment and energy for the times our Eagles will need them the most.

Preparing our new home

March 6, 2013Culture, Place, Uncategorizedsandefer

Acton Academy started four years ago with seven elementary school Eagles in a small, rented house near downtown Austin.

The school quickly outgrew its original campus, so we moved to the Acton MBA campus, our only alternative given the glacial speed at which the City of Austin approves building permits.

In July, we’ll move to Acton Academy’s permanent home, a four acre campus just east of the University of Texas, in a hip, fun, funky Austin neighborhood that’s becoming one of the new hot spots in town.

Last week our parents and Eagles toured the new campus. Many schools become too focused on buildings, at the expense of learning; we won’t make that mistake. But great architecture – twenty foot ceilings and movable walls and outdoor decks do add something special to transformational learning. Here’s to our new home!

Active Imagination and the Hero’s Journey

March 5, 2013Collaboration, Core Skills, Culture, Hero's Journey, Psychology Quest, Quests, SpeechesKenzie, Masonsandefer

As part of the Forensic Psychology Quest, Eagles today experimented with Active Imagination, a challenging technique invented by Carl Jung.

Building on their work in dream analysis and word association, Eagles learned to “daydream” in an intentional way to invite and record conversations with different archetypal characters inside them, revealing inner thoughts and conflicts and clarifying real world struggles.

While Active Imagination at first sounds somewhat “far out,” it was Jung who championed the idea of an inner Hero’s Journey as an important part of fully lived life, and many people have found the technique brings great clarity to important life decisions.

Theory aside, the Eagles were fascinated with Active Imagination, not only taking quickly to the technique, but begging for more time to continue the conversations with the characters who emerged from their unconscious. Several learned extremely powerful lessons about themselves.
Add the Active Imagination challenge to a day where Eagles listened to and analyzed a Winston Churchill speech, and several guided younger Eagles in the Elementary School as part of their Learning Badge project, and it was quite an important day for our young leaders who someday will change the world.

freedom

March 3, 2013CultureHayessandefer

Being in charge of your own learning is difficult, crucial, and liberating.

Below, Eagles decompress by spontaneously designing and building a fort out of scrap lumber, sand castle-like in its joy and impermanence.

Later, an exuberant visit to the construction site that will soon become our new roost!

Apprenticeships: Ready for Lift Off

March 1, 2013Apprenticeships, Communications, Core Skills, Hero's Journey, Pitches, Psychology Quest, Quests, SpeechesAna, Charlie, Ellie, Masonsandefer

We launched this morning by listening to Ronald Reagan’s Challenger speech and comparing it to Franklin Roosevelt’s First Inaugural Address.

The goal is to have Eagles luxuriate in great speeches – soaking in the most powerful words, phrases and symbols as they listen and observe more intentionally.

Next session each Eagle each will choose a historical figure and write and deliver a speech as that character, at an important time and place.

This morning Eagles rehearsed and polished their final Apprenticeship pitches – determined to secure each a real world apprenticeship by April.

How do you grab someone’s attention early in an email, call or in person meeting, long enough to ask an important question?
How do you explain a complex idea like an apprenticeship, in just a few words?
How do you ask for the job; clearly, directly in a way that’s difficult to refuse?

Bravely, our Eagles explored these questions and prepared for the “Big Ask” next week.

Then, in the afternoon, ink blot tests and more Jungian dream analysis, the beginning of understanding the power of that FDR and Reagan’s symbols – and especially the Hero’s Journey — are deep inside each one of us.

The Power of Role Models

February 28, 2013Collaboration, Culture, Guidessandefer

One of the most powerful parts of Acton Academy is having Eagles of different ages in the same classroom.

In the Elementary School, five year olds guide ten year olds; in the Middle School, fourteen year olds find they can still learn from someone who is eleven. Most importantly, we find that age differences quickly disappear for Eagles and Guides, as the special talents of each Eagle become far more important than age differences.

And yet, Elementary School Eagles still look up to Middle Schoolers. Recently, the ES’ers requested to have their lunch time adjusted, just so they could watch the Middle School Eagles play sports.

This powerful attraction of older role models is why we are giving Middle School Eagles a chance to earn the right to serve as temporary Guides to the Elementary School Eagles, by earning one Learning Badge a week.

Our belief is that we’ll find Eagles can curate, create and deliver educational challenges more powerfully than adults. If anything, our most revolutionary idea so far.

Inner work and the dreams of heroes

February 27, 2013Art, Culture, Journey maps, Psychology Quest, QuestsAna, Charlie, Claire, Kenzie, Mason, Sarahsandefer

This week our Detectives-in-Training become Forensic Psychologists in training, as our Eagles begin to dig into their own inner worlds.

Why do some people keep repeating unhelpful behaviors? How can understanding yourself make you a more successful athlete or a better friend? How can you decide whether the boy or girl you just met is the “right one” for you or a passing infatuation?

All pressing questions for middle school students.

During the next five weeks in the Psychology Quest, we’ll explore dreams, the shadow self (projecting); active imagination, scapegoating and mob mentality, all as the Eagles began preparing for a reenactment of the Salem Witch trials with modern day forensics.

On Day One of the Psychology Quest, Eagles were introduced to Carl Jung as a hero, and explored the unconscious, sub-conscious and conscious mind through word association, free drawing and free sculpting.

A psychologist would have a field day with the symbols, archetypes and emotions that poured out.

Our Eagles also received dream journals and pledged to start recording their nightly dreams, for later analysis.

Let the dreams begin!

Intentionality

February 26, 2013Collaboration, Consequences, Core Skills, Covenants, Culture, Distraction, Energy and flow, Journalling, Math, Reading, Writingsandefer

Today we returned from break. Only eleven weeks until summer session. Time to put the finishing touches on our learning culture before we let new Eagles into our tribe.

The focus word for this week: Intentionality.

Acting with intention. Being purposeful. Tapping into your passions. That’s what heroes do.

So time to eliminate the trivial; to minimize the unimportant. Time to put all of our energy into learning. Time for a new definition of work times, based on a survey late last session, asking Eagles how we could reduce distractions.

So we created new definitions of the our Work Blocks. All Core Skills time is now silent. We added No Tech Core Skills time, where all computers are closed and Eagles simply read, write and ponder.

No interruptions are allowed – if an Eagle needs to collaborate, he or she posts to a Collaboration Request board. An added benefit – we now have a record of who is helping whom and why.

We also rearranged the desks in the classroom. All of this was based on recommendations submitted by Eagles.

Core skills time was incredibly focused and purposeful today. Deep concentration on “blacking out” Khan skills; serious writing; deep reading. Not a sound in the classroom.

In the afternoon, the launch of an exciting new project. But more on that tomorrow.

Celebrating with Peter Pan

February 16, 2013Hero Story, Hero's Journeysandefer

A Hero Talk by award winning architect Tom Hatch (who is designing the new Acton Academy campus). Core Skills in the morning. Then distilling six weeks of work in personal Portfolios; preparing for our next five week sprint. Cleaning until the classroom was in pristine condition.

Then it was time for a surprise outing, earned by the Eagles by scoring thousands of Eagle Buck points during the session: Peter Pan Miniature Golf and snow cones on a beautiful spring day.

A special group of young heroes. Destined to change the world.

Making Waffles, Planning Parties and Standardized Tests

February 16, 2013Core Skills, Detective Quest, Hero Story, Hero's Journey, Quests, SocraticCharlie, Coby, Pacesandefer

Today the Middle School Eagles had a self organized Waffle Party – each bringing recipes, supplies and equipment.

Yes, we had Core Skills today. Yes, we practiced how to pitch for an apprenticeship. Yes, we reviewed “lessons learned” from the Detective Quest.

We even had an inspiring Hero Talk from our Acton Academy Guatemala Guide Daniel, who challenged our Eagles to concert their dreams into reality – today!

Life is short. Our Eagles worked hard these last six weeks. So as we near the end of this six week “sprint,” celebrating achievements — and learning about cooking waffles and party planning — is well within the Acton curriculum. Even if it never shows up on a standardized test.

Learning To Do: Robots and Apprenticeships

February 14, 2013Consequences, Uncategorizedsandefer

Learning at Acton takes place in five to seven week sprints, followed by a week off from school, for reflection and recharging.

Today, as we near the end of a six week sprint, two examples of “learning to do:”

First, an exhibition by the Lego Robotics team, a collection of elementary and middle school Eagles who have been hard at work for weeks creating and programming robots to perform a complex set of tasks.

This is just one example of the spontaneous after school challenges that have been organized by Eagles and parents, including: Robotics; Chess Club; Spanish Club; Speech Club and Art.

In our Apprenticeship Quest, Eagles built on last semester’s work in gifts, flow, opportunities and injustices to create a list of possible spring apprenticeships, chose the real world job that is the best “next adventure” for them, and then began to do the research necessary to convince someone to hire them..

Today, Eagles started practicing their “pitches” – the phone or in person pitch that no employer could refuse.

Learning to find your “calling;” identifying the next real world adventure to pursue it; having the interview skills necessary to get the position. All part of “learning to do” at Acton.

Mystery Solved; Suspect Arrested

February 13, 2013Culture, Detective Quest, Exhibition, Journey maps, Questssandefer

So who had abducted Detective Anna? The Acton campus was in an uproar, as Detectives-in-Training fanned out to collect evidence and interview suspects, using all of the tools and skills they had earned during the Detective Quest:

Documenting the crime scene;
Fingerprint analysis
Footprint analysis
Handwriting analysis
Deductive ability
Decomposition
Life cycle of flies
Microbes
Tooth impressions
DNA and genetics; and
Facial reconstruction.

Detective Anna’s first cousin “Dora” appeared to help as a lab assistant.

Evidence was carefully analyzed and weighed.

The prime suspect was relentlessly questioned until she finally broke down and confessed.

A grateful Detective Anna was rescued, and the Eagles shared their top “lessons learned” about the scientific method and forensic analysis:

You have to get it exactly right, because an innocent person might go to jail if you make a mistake;
This means that details matter; and
What you do impacts others; so
You most go slow, and work hard to uncover evidence and clues far beyond what’s given; and
Be careful to cross check your team’s work for accuracy.

A pretty good checklist for any scientific project that’s going to change to world.

Whodunnit: An Acton Guide Goes Missing

February 12, 2013Detective Quest, Exhibition, Questssandefer

For six weeks Acton Eagles have been learning forensic skills during the Detective Quest – everything from fingerprint analysis to microbe decomposition to how to detect when someone is telling a lie.

Yesterday, these skills became a blessing when Detective Anna failed to show up for class. Eagles soon realized that Detective Anna had been kidnapped! Quickly they self-organized; marked off the crime scene and began their own investigation.

Who to suspect? The other Guides, of course. For days there had been dark hints: Mr. Jeff’s interest in Detective Anna’s job; Ms. Laura’s grumpiness about Detective Anna’s performance; Ms. Kaylie’s frustration with Detective Anna using her school supplies. It seems that every Guide had a motive.

Interrogations began immediately and are ongoing.

Keep Away Today; College Tomorrow

February 8, 2013Hero's JourneyCoby, Ellie, Pacesandefer

Today our Eagles took advantage of a beautiful spring day for a spirited game of keep away.

“Keep away today; college tomorrow?” You might take that as a philosophical observation about the ephemeral nature of childhood. True, but not the whole truth.

Our Eagles are so far ahead academically that many soon will be taking college courses in high school (Maria Teresa at Acton Academy Guatemala, age 14, already is taking Harvard, Stanford quality level from Coursera, Udacity and EdX.)

Yesterday, a major accreditor announced that five MOOC’s (massive open online courses) may know be taken for college credit (note – most MOOC’s are free!)

The courses:

“Introduction to Genetics and Evolution” and “Bioelectricity: A Quantitative Approach,” from Duke University.
“Pre-Calculus” and “Algebra,” from the University of California at Irvine; and
“Calculus: Single-Variable,” from the University of Pennsylvania.

Expect hundreds more such courses, from elite universities, to follow soon.

Our Eagles will be well qualified for a four year, on campus experience at an Ivy League university; many of our families may choose to invest the hundreds of thousands of dollars required for such an enriching experience.

But the whole concept of a college education is changing so rapidly that the brightest and most motivated students may soon be able to gain all of the academic value from a college experience for pennies on the dollar.

If this comes to pass, our Eagles will be at the front of the line.

From Eagles to Parents

February 7, 2013Culture, Parent's Meetingsandefer

Three times each year with have an Acton Parent’s Meeting. These Parent’s Meetings are to talk about our own hero’s journeys as adults, not to discuss school matters.

This week’s Parent’s Meeting was focused on sarcasm and passive-aggressive behavior, and how examining our own lives can add depth and value to the entire family, as well as to help us change the world.

Since we’ve been examining similar questions in the Middle School, I asked our Eagles what advice they’d give to parents on the use of sarcasm in the home:

Remember that we’re all on the same team
Stop for a moment and think about the other person before you respond…
If you are in a bad mood, it’s better to hold your tongue
Speak honestly and clearly, but not harshly
When you respond sarcastically, ask yourself: “Where did that come from?”
Never forget that you have a deep influence on others

Amazing what we learn from our Eagles every day, just by trusting them enough to ask.

The Courage to be Vulnerable and Grateful

February 6, 2013Culture, Energy and flow, Hero's Journeysandefer

Yesterday, as a continuation of our discussions about sarcasm and passive-aggressive behavior, we asked our Middle School Eagles to share their greatest fears.

The remarkable outcome? Each shared a deep, serious, personal fear; fears that all humans share, but few ever voice.

Then, one by one, each Eagle expressed gratitude to a classmate who had inspired or helped them. Face to face; eye to eye.

It was remarkable to witness. A real honor.

“Being around others who are better than I am makes me want to do my best work”.

February 5, 2013Culture, Detective Quest, Excellence-Best You Can Do, Quests, Socraticsandefer

Given the choice between five motivators to rank, based on this TED talk by Dan Pink, http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html, many Eagles gave top billing to other options of their own invention. Beyond reward, pride, praise, mastery and autonomy they spoke matter-of-factly of deadlines, competition, and for one student, “Getting good at this will help me in the long run”.

Monday, with two weeks to go until the end of the session, Eagles recommitted to excellence in all their work, which on this day included tracking bacteria growth (excellence in keeping their lunches down)

carrying out science experiments of their own design (excellence in interrogation techniques)

And of course, excellence in Poppy design.

“Poppy needs help. Stat.”

February 3, 2013Culture, DistractionKenzie, Masonsandefer

A few weeks ago, as part of our Detective Quest, each Eagle was given a pair of rubber surgical gloves. One especially creative Eagles filled a glove with water, then used a black marker to draw eyes, a nose and a mouth, and named his creation “Poppy.”

Poppy became a class pet. When Poppy sprung a leak, students rushed to “save him,” even establishing an OR to perform “Poppy surgery.”

Soon more and more students created and adopted their own Poppies. Even after we started charging a hard earned Eagle Buck for a surgical glove, the mania continued. Eagles were close to obsession over their charges.

At first, I’ll admit the whole episode seemed a distraction. But after close observation, I believe there’s something deeper going on.

Middle School Eagles welcome having “life and death” responsibility over another, even a make believe pet.
Exercising such important care leads to a more closely knit community.
Plus, it’s fun.

Just another example of Eagles preparing, in their own way, for making real life decisions that will change the world. And a lesson for Guides who want to inspire and motivate Eagles to take on real world challenges. They are ready and hungry to do so.

Cardboard, Claire Boxes, Creativity and Joy

February 1, 2013Collaboration, Culture, DistractionClairesandefer

Some days the noise at Acton Academy can be distracting: the buzz of collaboration; critiquing and Rosetta-chatter.

So an Eagle-inventor took cardboard and duct tape and created the Claire-Box, a personal cocoon named after it’s inventor. Claire-Boxes became quite popular.

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Austin, bright and sunny.

Eagles rushed outside for lunch. Soon Claire-Boxes were converted into cardboard sleds, and the hillside was filled with Eagles sliding, riding and rolling together on cardboard magic carpets, laughing and screaming with delight.

Destruction of school property? Hardly. More like transformation. And clinging with all your heart to childhood play.

Hard work. Creativity. Friends. Enjoying the gift of a warm spring day. Pure joy.

Thank you for the lesson and the memory.

Imagine this…

January 31, 2013Civilization, Hero's Journey, Launchessandefer

Imagine this….

We often appeal a lot to imagination at Acton Academy.

We ask Eagles to imagine that they are:

A world leader, at a historical inflection point, facing a difficult decision…
A scientist; Thomas Edison, disappointed after another failure, but determined to try again;
A hero in their own story, in search of an apprenticeship adventure that will be a steppingstone to a calling that changes the world.

Vision is only the first step to a powerful journey, but it’s an important part of the motivation that drives deep learning.

“That’s mean…you’re better than that.”

January 30, 2013Covenants, Culture, Hero's Journey, TroubleCrayton, Jacksandefer

It’s starts with a passing remark between friends. Perhaps even something misheard. Feelings are hurt but unexpressed.

Later, something biting in response, disguised as humor: sarcasm.

No matter the cause, the effect is corrosive. Soon, a friendship may be lost. Later, it may cost a marriage.

Are unkind words merely a rite of middle school passage? We think not. We believe our Eagles can transcend petty meanness.

Over the years, Acton MBA students have done thousands of “Stars and Steppingstone” interviews with successful people from 30 to 85 years old. If you listen carefully, the older, wiser role models will all tell you the same thing, that near the end of life, you will ask some form of the following three questions:

Did I contribute something meaningful?
Was I a good person?; and
Who did I love and who loved me?

Monday, 14 year old Maria Teresa’s story reminded our Eagles of the first question; that each is expected to change the world in a meaningful way.

Tuesday, we examined the second question, what it means to be a “good person” and how sarcasm and passive aggressive behavior are small acts of cowardice, the easy way out. Acton heroes are expected to confront mean remarks head on, so relationships can be repaired.

One young Eagle even had the courage to gently but firmly confront a friend, in front of the entire class, using the new techniques of conflict resolution we had practiced. A genuine act of bravery for both parties.

By the end of class, nine brave Eagles stepped forward with a bold promise. To wear honesty bracelets for one week, as a commitment to call out and stamp out mean comments, so as to make the community stronger.

Can middle school students really build a far healthier community than most adults?

We believe they can and will.

Imagine this…an Acton Eagle who at age fourteen….

January 29, 2013Detective Quest, Signalling, Uncategorizedsandefer

Imagine this…an Acton Eagle middle schooler who at age fourteen:

Simultaneously and successfully is taking online courses in Udacity; Coursera and EdX from universities like Harvard, Stanford and MIT, while serving as a consultant for her prestigious local university and some Silicon Valley venture capitalists on distance education.

Recently gave a TEDX talk on the future of education.

Just a few months ago became the youngest person ever to attend billionaire to Peter Thiel’s “20 under 20” conference for the best and brightest youth in the world.

Most importantly – imagine this Acton Eagle is convinced that even Khan Academy is “like putting PDF’s of the Encyclopedia Britannica online” because the teacher still determines and sequences the lessons. This Eagle believes that a Wikipedia revolution is coming where individual students will source, curate and sequence videos, problems, simulations, projects, real world challenges and other learning experiences, with each student finding the pattern that works best for them, for a particular knowledge area or skill.

Her analogy is DNA. Sequencing chunks of educational material is like sequencing genes; each individual has a unique sequence that works best, but you can learn a great deal from sharing and studying the similarities and differences in the patterns, and how they vary between different people. She already has designed a website where students are sharing and comparing different sequences for different topics and is in discussions with venture capitalists to fund an expansion.

There’s no need to imagine Maria Teresa, because she’s a real person, a fourteen year old Eagle at our Acton Academy sister school in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Maria Teresa - Founder of Makeducation

Yesterday, I introduced our Austin Eagles to Maria Teresa’s story at morning launch. At the end of the day wrap, I asked our Eagles what Maria Teresa has that they don’t, and one by one, individually challenged them to a Hero’s Journey as inspirational as hers by age fourteen.

I have faith that each and every one of our Eagles will do just that.

You can read more about Maria Teresa at http://ideamensch.com/maria-teresa/

down with unanimity!, except regarding kindness

January 26, 2013Communications, Consequences, Core Skills, Critiques, Culture, Smart Goals, Socraticsandefer

We do not like unanimity. Usually, it means we’ve asked a bad question.

This week, Eagles have worked on discussion skills with a sometimes jarring rigor. Their progress has been amazing! Next step: commenting intentionally to one another rather than filtering through a guide. Guides’ big work: to trust, and step aside.

When is the last time you’ve printed out an email for your peers to critique before sending, or took a strong stand in a Socratic discussion, arguing against even your most respected friends? Or shared honest reflections about your efforts through the week, aloud, to a supportive yet competitive team of colleagues? Or made an impassioned speech in front of a small group?

Our students have done all of this, and just in the past 24 hours. They’ve set for themselves quite high standards of excellence. Not always met; five months into this, most of the young adults in our community have experienced failure as defined by their own terms, and every single one has picked themselves back up to try again. Failure or success both possible, but perseverance non-negotiable. And lessons learned that they will never forget.

Back to unanimity: Is asking the Eagles to catch a classmate in the act of committing kindness a weak challenge? Always room for improvement, but it was beautiful to end the day on a chorus of commendations. Never degrading into chaos, all made their voices heard in support of the kindness of their peers. Who won? everyone, of course.

What’s the Connection?

January 25, 2013Communications, Core Skills, Culture, Detective Quest, Journey maps, Quests, Socratic, Writingsandefer

Shift gears overmuch? Your transmission will suffer.

So what’s the connection between a rotten banana and correct usage of the past progressive*? What about a link between precise language, kindness, and a rather annoying buzzer?

Scattered and smothered are fine at the Waffle House but less than optimal for the pursuit of excellence. At Acton, we strive toward holistic cohesion in our curriculum, though juggling many tasks is a real-world skill that also comes into play in our classroom. Ironically from a guide’s standpoint, the task juggling unfolds quite naturally, while the cohesion requires a bit more forethought.

To connect the above dots: Eagles are working as Detectives-in-Training, learning valuable science as they pursue the skills they’ll need to not only solve crimes but also make a persuasive case against a suspect before a jury. At the same time, they are creating their own mystery crime stories, using logic, artistry and their fabulous imaginations to pursue excellence as writers. (* and brushing up on their grammar along the way- though a quick survey of adults on campus suggests that while it’s incredibly important to be able to use tenses effectively, no one actually cares what the tenses are called).

Underlying the “Learning to Know” and the vital “Learning to Do” is the even more essential “Learning to Be”, and a focus on character building and discussion skills permeates every “know/do” quest. In today’s launch, we went over the new student-generated community standards and honor code with a careful focus on defining any potentially vague terms. Terms like “scapegoat”, “cheat” and “bully” were hashed out to a unanimous understanding by the community. Students circled the discussion back to the positive by brainstorming what steps to take to prevent negative situations from beginning/escalating. At the end of the day, we introduced a new reward for our daily Kindness Hero, challenging all to channel their detective skills toward looking for evidence of kindness in their peers.

Throughout all of this, Eagles passed around a buzzer, to hold themselves accountable for accidental use of the verbotten “um”s and “like”s. Hooray for excellence in discussion skills, but here’s one vote for Buzzer-Free Fridays starting, um, now.

“Ummm…I mean like…ummm…like”

January 24, 2013Detective Quest, Quests, SocraticCharlie, Coby, Jacksandefer

Have you ever been driven half crazy by Valley Speak, that teenage compulsion to pause every millisecond to insert “ummm” or “like” into the conversation?

If so, you might find our Eagles’ latest middle school experiment interesting.

In an attempt to improve the quality of discussions, Eagles now “buzz” during a Socratic discussion whenever the work “ummm” or “like” is used. A “buzz” means your comment is over, and you’ve lost your turn to speak.

At first, eight out of ten comments were “buzzed”. The conversation moved forward in fits and starts, seemingly engulfed in an angry beehive. Many speakers were shocked at how often and how much they relied on filler words.

Now, after only two days, the use of filler words has dropped eighty percent or more.

The surprise? Discussions are now full of purposeful silence. Listeners lean into the conversation, engaged, instead of tuning out.

As a parent, this may be Acton Academy’s greatest gift to humanity, at least for our family.

A telling detail; a piece of moldy bread, an awkward pause….

January 23, 2013Detective Quest, QuestsCharlie, Coby, Jacksandefer

What do a telling detail; a piece of moldy bread and an awkward pause have in common? The are all part of a day of learning at Acton Academy.

Yesterday the Eagles were hard at work completing the first draft of their mystery stories. We even suspended journalling for most of the week, to allow for more time to add plenty of the telling details that make for excellent writing.

Then came project time, where the science of decomposition (moldy bread) and lie detection (an awkward pause) were two new skills Eagles needed to be investigate, practice and perfect as part of solving the “whodunnit” in our Detective Quest.

Learning to communicate and persuade in ways that matter in the lives of our Eagles. Putting science into action by practicing skills that not only help solve a quest, but will be used in real life for decades to come.

That’s the difference between “learning to do” and “learning to be” for our Eagles — and the monotony of regurgitating “learn to know” facts that soon will be forgotten.

Friday’s Lessons Learned

January 19, 2013Apprenticeships, Civilization, Core Skills, Culture, Detective Quest, Distraction, Hero's Journey, Journalling, Math, Quests, Smart Goals, WritingClaire, Masonsandefer

At day’s end, Eagles reflected back to lessons learned from the morning’s weekly wrap-up, discussing the amount of effort they’d put into their work vs. the amount of payoff they received in terms of personal achievement and our classroom points-tracking system. In Core Skills they determined individually which work to focus on to best reach the goals they’d set for themselves on Monday.

While all journaled in hopes of winning the weekly writing contest (congratulations, Kenzie!), some focused on Khan skills, others on their Mystery Fiction writing, others on their Apprenticeship Quest work including some beautifully rendered Mind Maps.

Looking for tools to increase focus and help in their pursuit excellence, some students experimented with making their own “Claire Boxes”, named for the Eagle who first had the idea of creating a sensory-deprivation space to block out distraction and help her dive deeply into her independent work.Later in the History Yurt, all Eagles were able to enjoy special personal space with our new eye pillows; Eagles lay back with the lavendar-scented pillows weighing pleasantly against their eyelids and listened to stories from 17th Century England, including the military and political strategies of Oliver Cromwell during and after the English Civil War, and a look at daily London life through the diaries of Samuel Pepys. We learned that one of our Eagles’ ancestors was likely the actual executioner of King Charles! All students are working towards learning about their ancestry as part of their ongoing series of History Challenges.

Enjoy the three-day weekend and have a Happy MLK Day, see everyone on Tuesday!

“Dr. Watson, I presume?”

January 18, 2013Core Skills, Critiques, Culture, Detective Quest, Journey maps, Quests, Socratic, WritingClairesandefer

Our Detective Quest entered a new phase today.

Eagles added handwriting analysis and lie detection to their list of investigative tools.

And began to piece together all the clues, and to narrow in on a prime suspect.

Discussing and voting on the most important piece of advice offered by Sherlock Holmes.

Earlier Eagles met in small groups to critique the first drafts of their mystery stories, the best of these to be published in a collection at the end of the session.

Learning to do, in real world projects, where the end result matters.

Persuasion

January 18, 2013Communications, Core Skills, Rhetoric, Socraticsandefer

Many schools focus on subjects like math, reading and writing. At Acton Academy, we expand this list to include Socratic debate, public speaking and using video and other web based forms of communication.

But these are still just tools and skills. Our goal is to equip our Eagles to make decisions and persuade others, so they can change the world.

We launched the day by watching some of our previous class debates on Lucy, our new filming system that allows Eagles to critique their Socratic comments. Watching yourself on film is difficult, but there’s no faster way to improve the crispness and impact of your words.

We continued this theme later in the day with a Socratic discussion on rhetoric – working on persuasion while we practiced it in real time, debating a better system for class clean up at the end of the day.

Eagles explored how using the past tense in a discussion invites blame (“You should have…”) and the present tense suggests standing on principle (“We need to ____ because it’s the only fair thing to do.”) Using the past and present tense tends only to make others defensive or to puff up your own ego.

So we experimented with using the future tense – and offering questions to frame choices – as a way to move others to action. Even after only a few rounds of practice, our Eagles quickly realized the power of being able to frame the debate.

Some important lessons, in the words of our Eagles:

Your goal in a debate is to move others to action; not simply to win an argument.
Questions are more powerful than statements; and
Excellence requires the courage to look at yourself in the mirror (or on film.)

Another good day.

How do people learn?

January 16, 2013Apprenticeships, Consequences, Culture, Detective Quest, Eagle Buck-Pts, Guides, Hero's Journey, Journey maps, Launches, Quests, Socraticsandefer

How do people learn? An important question, and a reminder that “teaching” and “learning” are only loosely connected.

The article below summarizes some of the most recent discoveries about how people learn: http://www.farnamstreetblog.com/2013/01/how-people-learn/

Here’s what we’ve found at Acton Academy:

1. Deep learning requires context. This means having a clear visual “journey map” and milestones ON THE WALL that our Eagles can track. (“You are here; Here’s where we have been; Here’s where we are going and WHY it matters”); plus a diagnostic Framework (“Below are some questions you can ask to decide what to do next.”)

2. Every launch must put students “in the shoes of a protagonist” facing a decision that will matter in their lives, and somehow will shape their identity and determine their destiny. Otherwise, who cares?

3. Our primary job is to set the rules and incentives so as to shape the learning environment. Then let the students learn through “learning to do.” Experiential learning is best; Socratic discussion next best. Experts/lectures are allowed, but Eagles can access this information on their own.

If we deliver:

1. End goals that add richness to our Eagle’s Hero’s Journeys;

2. Maps and milestones.

3. Frameworks; and

4. Enticing rules and incentives;

then great learning happens.

Here’s a photo of this morning’s launch. Below an example of a Mind Map for the upcoming Apprenticeships – Eagles learning to create their own visuals.

Of course, the ultimate goal is to equip students to create learning journeys, frameworks and incentive systems for themselves and others, so the “learning to learn” becomes a deeply imbedded habit, and one that spreads exponentially.

Learn Math; Forget Math; Learn Math Again

January 15, 2013Core Skills, Culture, Detective Quest, Journey maps, Math, QuestsKenziesandefer

Learn math; forget math; learn math again.

Most of us learned math in school for a test; forgot the math; and learned it again when we had to use it in the real world.

Our first efforts weren’t wasted. Modern neuroscience suggests our early work was laying down pathways that made math easier to learn the second time.

Our experiences at Acton Academy are crystal clear on one count: there’s no more need for traditional math teachers. With game based adaptive programs like Khan Academy; Dreambox; ST Math and Manga High, students can learn math on their own and teach it to each other much more efficiently and effectively than with a traditional math teacher. Plus, Eagles can move at their own pace and have a lot more fun.

Perhaps even more importantly, a 70% score isn’t “passing;” in fact, even a 90% score won’t do. You have to work on a math subject until you master it, before moving on.

But let’s not kid ourselves, In time, this mastery will fade unless the skill is used repeatedly in the real world, in a way that matters. Only those neurological pathways will remain, waiting to be reactivated.

At Acton Academy, we try to put math skills to use as soon as possible. Today, Eagles worked to gather measurements from shoe impressions from a crime scene; sample the heights and shoe sizes of classmates; and use probabilities and ratios to predict the height of a possible suspect in the Detective Quest. In doing so, they had to create their own approaches and formulas – some admittedly a little complex and convoluted, but in the end all coming to the same answer.

Will our Eagles forget this math too? Surely. But they are less likely to forget the logic, reasoning and teamwork that was required to use the math to solve a real world problem.

This means our Eagles will want to learn more and more math and to put it to use, every repetition preparing another neural pathway, until the habits of math and science are deeply imbedded.

Writing their own stories, in every way…

January 11, 2013Core Skills, Culture, Detective Quest, Launches, PE, Place, Quests, Storytelling, Trouble, WritingAna, Charlie, Ellie, Kenzie, Pacesandefer

Do what you say you’ll do, or follow your conscience? Do you have the courage to be honest about your choices? In this morning’s huddle, Eagles discussed adding a West Point-style honor code to their governance documents. At issue in particular is internet use during free time. While exploring the repercussions of offering our bodies junk or nourishment, and to what degree the level of tidiness reflects the learning space as a “landfill” or a Studio of Excellence, this age group is facing decisions re drawing boundaries for their interaction with the Web. Student-generated guidelines will be introduced tomorrow after a town hall-style debate, and the decision is firmly the students’ to make. Guides and parents stand together watching this important process, reinforcing the message that this is serious, the community is involved, and we absolutely trust you to argue with each other until you create an agreement that’s right for you.

Today saw the launch of Thursday morning Writers’ Workshops. First project, tying in with the afternoon hands-on Detective Science quest: write a great detective mystery. Eagles brainstormed about elements crucial to a great crime story, listened together to a classic Sherlock Holmes short, then revised their megalist to create their own rubric of excellence in crime/mystery fiction. Agreeing that a detective (whether casual or pro) is a crucial character, they used StoryMatic to jump start ideas for character generation. Until they didn’t. Whoops- a Guide set a guideline without thinking it through all the way to make sure there’s an ultimate WHY. Naturally many students rebelled; they can smell bogus a mile away. In this case, the students were set free to use StoryMatic, or not. Ask your Eagle which they chose. The MS’ers take this seriously at least in part because they know that what they do matters, and that they, as brave and thoughtful adventurers, are creating a path for others to follow.

New path in PE: after an invigorating awards ceremony with certificates for Olympic Champions (whoever exceeded their previous best by largest percentage increase) and trophies for Best Sportsmanship (congratulations Ellie and Pace!), down to the field for….. Wiffle Ball!

Ms. Anna and Ms. Terri challenged the D.I.T.s (that’s Detectives in Training) to learn the science behind fingerprinting and analyzing data from footprints left at a crime scene. Also a great lesson in following directions, as it turned out, and in cleaning as you go.

Tomorrow, a look at goal tracking for the week, a Town Hall meeting, the journal reflection contest, history in the yurt and a more meaningful version of (offline) Game Time.

Don’t Mess with Acton

January 10, 2013Culture, Launches, Troublesandefer

We’ve been struggling with afternoon clean-ups. The Tragedy of the Commons. Our promises as Guides means we don’t want to intervene from above.

All of this raises an interesting question. What works best for motivating a team – the carrot or the stick? Or something else?

Yesterday, we opened class with the “something else:” Showing a series of the “Don’t Mess with Texas” commercials.

In the 1980’s, Texas faced a crisis: its roads and beaches were littered with garbage. Large fines hadn’t helped. Neither had encouraging better behavior. But as our Eagles quickly realized, the “Don’t Mess With Texas” commercials appealed to Texas pride; Texans are different; we love Texas; therefore, we have too much pride to litter.

Our Eagles decided to appoint a committee to draft their own series of commercials to encourage Eagles to do a better job of cleaning up. Here are their first drafts:

Learning math; writing; science and other subjects is relatively easy. Properly motivated, Eagles love to learn. Learning how to motivate yourself and others? That’s a subject that takes a lifetime to master.

But our Eagles are off to a good start.

Back in the Flow

January 9, 2013Communications, Core Skills, Culture, Detective Quest, Journey maps, Launches, Math, Quests, Smart Goals, WritingCoby, Jack, Masonsandefer

The first day back from break almost always is a challenge. The second day, better.

We opened with a clip from Whodunnit – a wonderful test of our Eagle’s observational powers. Attention to detail matters. It matters for a writer who uses crisp details to hook you into a story; it matters to a cook who needs “everything in its place;” it matters to a detective at a crime scene.

We also are tightening the focus on goals – long term goals for the session; weekly SMART goals; daily goal check ins with Running Partners.

After setting ambitious goals for all three, Eagles were back at work in Khan for math; were introduced to our new Mystery Writing challenge by Ms Abigail; and continued on their Detective Quest with hands on work collecting fingerprints and documenting a crime scene.

In Pursuit of Excellence

January 8, 2013Apprenticeships, Civilization, Core Skills, Culture, Detective Quest, Excellence-Best You Can Do, Hero's Journey, Journey maps, Launches, Math, Questssandefer

How do you encourage a learning community to strive for excellence? That was today’s challenge, with a roomful of energetic Eagles back from Christmas Break.

We opened the day debating whether our overarching goal this session should be Excellence or Mastery? Excellence won the day, based on the Eagle’s logic that the practice of Excellence must precede Mastery.

So Excellence became the “word of the session,” with signatures as a sign of commitment.

We continued with a review of the spring session, which will include a Crime Solving project and a reenactment of the Salem Witch Trial.

Silent Core Skills time began with Eagles setting long term Khan goals, including mastering the last of the basic math skill sets, before individual Eagles will be asked to choose whether to dive deeply into Algebra, Geometry or Trigonometry in a few weeks.

We followed with a Socratic Discussion about how you decide what book to read next. Should the decision be based on ”fun” or some other criteria? Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? A focus on the time period we’ll cover in History this spring (1600 to 1776); a scientific subject we’ll explore in projects like DNA or genetics or psychology? Improving a skill like writing or speech making? Or perhaps going deep into a biography of a hero.

Eagles get to choose what they read, but we want them to choose wisely.

Just before lunch we unveiled this spring’s plan for securing an apprenticeship in April, and how Mind Maps might encourage some new paths or people who can help.

Then after lunch, the launch of our newest project, using science to solve crimes, complete with a real crime scene.

How do you encourage a learning community to strive for excellence? Paint a vision of an exciting journey. Offer choices. Insist on clarity.

No guarantees, but a good start.

From the Peak; Looking to the Horizon

December 22, 2012Culture, Portfoliossandefer

It was before dawn, a few months ago, as the Middle School Eagles trudged up a steep slope in the Texas Hill Country. As the sun rose, we could see for miles in every direction.

The message: The hard work of the Hero’s Journey is worth it because it allows you to see further (and farther!) At the top of each peak, a time for celebration, a moment to enjoy, rest and reflect, while planning the next climb.

Yesterday was such a day at Acton Academy. We assembled the final portfolios – one copy for school and one for home — and the Eagles cleaned and cleaned and cleaned to get the classroom back into a (semi) pristine state.

The portfolios were imperfect in the sense that they are works in progress, with grammatical mistakes and misspellings to prove that no adult oversight was allowed. True also of equally imperfect and beautiful thank you notes to some of the “fellow travelers” who have helped us this term.

Imperfection. Mistakes. Works in progress.

And yet the learning, the sense of accomplishment and the feeling of ownership were profound, both in the scratchings in the portfolios and the reflections offered in the final group discussion. There’s absolutely no question that these Middle School Eagles are heroes-in-waiting, who will change the world.

Our final moments together shifted to the horizon, to the crime solving, genetics, biology, psychology, Salem Witch Trials, apprenticeships and many more adventures that will come in the spring.

But for now, two weeks of rest and celebration with our families, as it should be.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Whew!

December 21, 2012Culture, Distraction, Energy and flow, Portfoliossandefer

Hard work. Last minute scurrying. Lights. Adrenaline. Showtime. Celebration.

Then, the morning after. An energy hangover.

Some Eagles are distracted. Others listless. A few, uncharacteristically sleep in.

Others build protective walls in order to recharge, an innovative approach to self preservation.

All of this is a natural part of the ebb and flow of human creativity. Rest. A phenomenon to be explored; a ritual to be incorporated next year..

Some schools consider the week before Christmas a “dead week.” We’d never be that disrespectful towards time, but building in a purposeful lull to recharge does make sense; a time to just “be” for a few hours; a time for mindfulness; a time for rest.

Most of the afternoon we worked on Portfolios, synthesizing the work of three months into a celebratory narrative. Tomorrow we finish these portfolios, and begin to look towards the adventures of next semester.

Roll out the red carpet….

December 20, 20123D Game Lab - Probability, Communications, Core Skills, Culture, Excellence-Best You Can Do, Exhibition, Film, Quests, Uncategorizedsandefer

The last minute preparations were frantic – the final editing of films; the fine tuning of games; last minute pitch practice: all underway while Eagles simultaneously built their semester end portfolios and shared final “lessons learned” in a number of important areas.

And then it was showtime. The room filled with customers, and the game play began:

Pitches were made to real customers, with each Middle School Eagle trying not only to best their classmates, but to defeat the dreaded Elementary School Eagles competing alongside them.

Once the games were finished, it was time for the film festival to begin:

The smell of popcorn in the air. The anticipation of launching something you created out into the world, for all the world to see. Two noted filmmakers in the audience.

In the end, there were technical glitches. Two of the films weren’t very good; one was fantastic. An Oscar for the Best Picture and awards for the games were presented.

Yes, excellence matters. So does pleasing customers.

But how do you learn how to work in teams towards mastering a skill? By working on exceptional teams and teams that fail. How do you learn of the importance of setting and reaching milestones? By trying to do everything in the last week, and failing. How do you learn to set deadlines early enough to have a series of dress rehearsals? By failing to do so, and suffering the consequences.

Our Eagles have far to go, but oh they have come so far.

And the dreaded Elementary School competitors in the Game Expo? Final score: Middle Schoolers, a average of 2.9 votes per student; Elementary Schoolers, and average of 2.96. Beaten, but not defeated.

Now it’s time to rest, recharge and look forward to a rematch in the spring. For all real creative ability comes from challenge, failure, rebirth and the kind of steely perseverance that leads, in the end, to the excellence of a personal calling.

What will you remember the most?

December 19, 2012Uncategorizedsandefer

Who am I? A question not easily answered. Eagles spent the morning journaling on aspects of this conundrum, then circled up to share their reflections. What new Heroes did they discover over the past four months? A couple of F1 drivers, Elon Musk, Sully Sullenberg… and several Acton parents, who would have blushed with pride to hear their praises sung as inspirations when things get tough. “My dad does EVERYTHING! If there’s something that needs to be done, he takes care of it himself. He never quits when he’s on a project, and he’s always got a few projects going on.” “My mother… she works so hard, she takes care of all of us and hardly has time for herself, but she’s always in a great mood and she never loses her cool.”

The loops continue to circle around, as Eagles finished their game projects and tightened up their pitches. Lots of hard work on film wrap-up, too. We welcomed two professionals in the field of poster design to guide the film crews through the process of creating marketing materials in Photoshop, using captured stills from their films and mucho creativity about taglines and typeface.

At the end of the day, Eagles discussed what they’ll remember most from this first session at Acton. The film projects, their Hero’s Journey via MyHJ, and the very special ranch trip were spoken about with heart and thought. And the speakers, these brave adventurers, will be remembered always themselves as the intrepid pioneers of a new kind of middle school, where students show up early, miss attending over break, and share their personal stories of being inspired in a safe environment that asks you to be your very best self.

Closing the loops; looking forward to the future

December 18, 20123D Game Lab - Probability, Art, Communications, Core Skills, Culture, Exhibition, Film, Hero's Journey, Math, PE, Quests, Readingsandefer

Now is a time to close some of the powerful learning loops we opened just a few months ago.

Last week, we started by closing the Art loop with an exposition of the Acton Dragons at Amy’s Ice Cream.

Monday, we closed the PE loop with the Acton Olympics, returning to the same challenges Eagles faced in September, to record new personal records (Thanks Coach C!)

On Wednesday, we close the loop on Projects, with the Game Expo and Film festival.

Below, yesterday Eagles practice and critique Game Expo pitches, with the Middle Schoolers feverishly working to defeat the Elementary School challengers by gathering more customer “votes” at the Expo.

All week we are recording reflections on “lessons learned” from Math, Reading, Writing, Building the Community, Science and the Pursuit of Excellence, as Eagles prepare their final end of semester portfolios for Thursday.

Then – on Friday — a review of next semester’s adventures and a final CELEBRATION!

Enlightened trial and error

December 14, 2012Civilization, Communications, Critiques, Culture, Hero's Journey, Journalling, Journey maps, SocraticHayes, Masonsandefer

“You can do it! You will have many more opportunities. I will help you if you want help.”

“It’s okay- let’s do it again, so you can get it”, because I do not want them to go through life thinking , “If I fail, it means I’m not supposed to do this”.

“Don’t beat yourself up. Let’s try again.”

These are some of the words the Eagles wrote in their journals this morning as they considered what to say to a friend who fails to reach a goal. The question arose: would you rather work with a partner who succeeds when you fail, or who fails with you? Many stated that they’d want to work with someone who succeeds, so they can learn from that person. Some preferred the idea of learning alongside someone on the same level, making mistakes together, growing together.

“An unstoppable force!” is how one Eagle described a team where one partner’s strengths complement the other’s weaknesses, and vice-versa.

At the start of history class, Ms. Laura asked students: what motivates you? why do you work as hard as you do? and after collecting responses, did a beautiful job of refreshing everyone’s memory about the meaning of Socratic discussion: Socratic discussion is not a debate, it’s a principled discussion. There’s no argument to be won; the point is to seek truth, to seek a new perspective. With these reminders, the Eagles participated in student-led Socratic discovery about exploration before lying down to listen to the story of the rise and fall of Dutch New Amsterdam in the New World.

Teamwork was spotlighted during project time, launched by Ms. Anna with a clip about the product design firm Ideo. The Eagles were taken with this radical approach to collaboration and remarked about how “constructive rather than destructive chaos” could lead to great things. They got to put the concept into action by dividing into small teams to critique each others’ games (link to the ideo video: http://vimeo.com/21086801 use password:academy), reporting afterwards how helpful the extra brain power was in improving their work, experiencing first hand the Ideo mantra of “Enlightened trial and error” outpeforming the “planning of a lone genius”.

The school day closed with a revisit to our Hero’s Journey map, as we come close to the end of this first semester at Acton. The questions of Who am I? What promises must be made and kept? Who’s walking with me? have taken on visceral meaning for these young adults as they’ve looked deep within and asked themselves tough questions, worked hard to fine-tune and adhere to their own systems of self-management, decision making and accountability, and collaborated with running partners and small groups on film and other projects.

But for our Heroes, the learning doesn’t stop at 3:15. Except for a handful of Eagles whose intense sports commitments preclude it, Thursdays are chess club day. Carpe Diem!