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 | 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 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...
by Ken Danford | Jun 1, 2022 | self-directed learning
Here’s some news from our industrious Science class! Thank you, Melanie! (K.D.) — One of the few silver linings of the first year of the pandemic was teaching outdoors as much as possible. This year I wanted to continue using the outdoors as my classroom. Since...
