Holistic Pedagogy in Public Schools: A Case Study of Three Alternative Schools
Keywords:
holistic education, holistic pedagogy, alternative public schools, Montessori, progressive educationAbstract
Through a multiple-case study design, this study examines and describes how three alternative public schools in the United States—Wickliffe Progressive School (K-5), The Project School (K-8), and Clark Montessori School (7-12) implement holistic pedagogical practices while still attending to the demands of the public school system. Data was analyzed qualitatively, drawn from school documentation, observation notes, and recorded interviews, and coded deductively using seven pedagogical themes as a framework of analysis. Analysis revealed that despite some challenges and curricular adjustments to meet state testing requirements, none of these schools compromised the core values and principles that guided their philosophy.
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