We applaud the Mountain Xpress for delving into important issues like where to find the best chicken wings and democratic schools in Asheville. Buncombe County Early College [Commentary: “Education and Democracy,” Jan. 31; “Democracy in Action,” Feb. 7] deserves to be commended for striving to implement democratic structures that include students as a central part of the process of properly educating our children.
In a country founded upon the principles of democracy and life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we believe it is vital that students receive an experiential education in democracy. Jefferson and countless others admonished [that] we will only fulfill our true promise when citizens are active. Won’t students who actively participate in a democratic environment as children be more inclined to actively participate as adults?
Since 2005, Katuah Sudbury School has offered education based on actual democracy and real, student-centered learning founded on an unlimited curriculum. Students [from] 4 to 19 learn according to their interests and readiness … . Young adults emerge from this type of education confident, self-motivated and able to create a life and a living for themselves by following their bliss, which they have had the freedom to discover.
In all aspects of the operation of our school, students actively participate in a totally democratic system. Students and staff create, adjust, administer and adjudicate all rules, and students assume responsibility for themselves and many of the daily operations of our school. Under a weekly School Meeting, each student and staff [member] receives one vote. Meetings, conducted using Robert’s Rules, determine school rules and operational procedures, including finances and the election of students and staff. To deal with rules violations and interpersonal conflict, we have a Judicial Committee, made up mostly of students, that investigates allegations, receives pleas, determines verdicts, hears appeals and imposes logical and ameliorative consequences. Students and staff alike may be called in front of the Judicial Committee. …
[People may] investigate Katuah Sudbury School at www.katuahsudbury.org or 891-1130.
