THE RENAISSANCE OF SMALL SCHOOLS:
Revisiting the Future of Learning
by Angela L Fubler, BA, BCS, M.Ed.
Consultant, Eaglemann Learning & Innovation Group
Founder, Owner – Chatmore British International School, Bermuda
Introduction
Welcome to the inaugural post of my interactive series, “The RenAIssance of Small Schools.” (Yes, AI is in the middle of the rebirth of small schools. Avoiding it would be reckless).
In this series, we embark on a collective journey to reflect and then explore the revalidation, revitalization, and rebirth of small schools within the global education landscape.
I have many questions; I do not have many answers. I do not think that any one person has the “answer(s)”. I believe the answers are whatever works for your context and are relevant to the individual circumstances. I believe collectively we have ideas upon which we can opt to change, build and collaborate but we will get to that later on in the series.
I only have a current perspective on small schools, and though I am confident of a few small school concepts, my perspective is not entirely rigid. I am passionate and guided by my conversations, observations, and the research; but mostly, by my gut – my instincts and my insight.
To date, I am blessed to have 58 years limited experience in education and learning, some of it was paid for by my parents and myself but the best and the least of those years were free and perhaps the real catalyst for this initial Small Schools series. In fact, most definitely, those early educational experiences in an equally small community, are the basis of my Small School platform. I believe the global small school community will support and agree with some aspects of this series, so I have chosen to write in a collective voice speaking this time to the “unconverted” with the intention of respectfully representing and advocating for us all!
Setting the Small Schools Stage
Small schools, though pillars of rich educational experiences, often find themselves in the minority, overshadowed by larger institutions. Throughout this series, we aim to amplify the voice of small schools, presenting them not as outliers but as vibrant contributors to the educational mosaic.
Our conversation will unfold through the lens of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) principles. We will delve into the challenges faced by small schools and question whether they are inherent or shaped by systemic biases. Each post in this series will be a dynamic dialogue, inviting you to reflect on the past, explore current trends, and envision a future where small schools radiate their values and impact. We want to hear your perspectives and my hope is to include some of those perspectives into subsequent posts. My hope is that through this series we will become more cohesive; we will share our thoughts, experiences and tell the small school story. As we collectively respond, we hope to foster a renewed appreciation for the global impact small schools can bring.
Join us on this exploration of the past, present, and future of small schools – where our focus is not only on education but on the profound influence these learning communities have on our most precious learners and their families. Together, let’s unravel the narrative and paint a vibrant portrait of the role small schools play in shaping the future of education.
Contact Angela Fubler
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