by Ken Danford | Oct 19, 2022 | self-directed learning
Here’s a fun new book: Joys of Self-Determined Learning: A Collection of Essays, edited by Carlo Ricci and Gina Riley. Spoiler Alert: I have an essay included, entitled “Expanding the Movement: Attracting More People to Self-Directed Learning.” It’s an honor to have a...
by Ken Danford | Oct 11, 2022 | self-directed learning
It’s a new year at North Star, and what I see is Happiness. The best way for me to convey the state of North Star is to briefly introduce you to three of my advisees: Ash, Kai, and Colin. The photos pretty much do the work here! (Thank you to staff member Kim...
by Ken Danford | Sep 15, 2022 | self-directed learning, Uncategorized
I’m very happy for the people receiving up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness due to President Biden’s recent announcement. I know this reduction will make a huge difference in their lives. At the same time, I worry that student loan forgiveness sidesteps the real...
by Ken Danford | Sep 7, 2022 | self-directed learning
On Tuesday, September 6 North Star held its Opening Ceremonies! We are back! Here is a reasonably solid transcript of my Welcoming Message. — Welcome! Year 27! Year 8 in this building! I especially want to welcome our new families and new staff members. We have...
by Ken Danford | Aug 23, 2022 | self-directed learning
Here’s a handy list for when you are bored: fifty “Essential Experiences” to consider. This list, compiled by Chris Balme, is targeted at middle schoolers, though I think it would work for people of all ages. I can see retirees going down this list, and middle-aged...
by Ken Danford | Aug 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
July was a tragic month: we lost a treasured alumna, Jana Abromowitz. Jana was killed by a housemate for reasons that are impossible to comprehend. This death has been a shock for our community, and we are doing the best we can to respond. Jana was a member of North...
by Ken Danford | Jul 15, 2022 | self-directed learning
I have attended the Alternative Education Resource Organization’s Annual Conference just about every year since 2006. This global event is the largest and most enthusiastic collection of people I know interested in making education more learner-directed. AERO’s slogan...
by Ken Danford | Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
We are on our way! Thanks to the Vela Education Fund, along with the generosity of alumni donors at our Bonanza (matched by a gift from Board member and Alumni Parent Emily Harding-Morick) we are proceeding with hiring an Alumni Coordinator to create the North Star...
by Ken Danford | Jun 15, 2022 | self-directed learning
Presentations-Day Trips-Family Meetings-Shindig-Bonanza! Well, it has been a busy month at North Star, and to put it mildly, our hearts are full! Here is something of a photo essay from the past few weeks. Presentations: Teens are invited to share a particular...
