“... they will use the excuse that parents are too stupid to understand them. “
And that is deliberate. How dare the parent challenge the enlightened “teacher”. And if the parent tries to teach the child the traditional way, the parent gets hit with criminal charges. It has happened, in NYC. And the father, trying to teach his daughter the old way to do math (the way that works) was black, which reinforces my view that inner city schools are administered by racists who do NOT want the child to learn - need to make more welfare clients for the Cloward Piven strategy.
Next up - if the student on his/her own initiative learns to old way, then it’s time to drug the student.
I have always viewed Montessori as some flaky New Agey stuff, however I am re-considering that position.
I had a similar impression decades ago. I think most people did.
...however I am re-considering that position.
It may depend on the school. That the Montessori name is used doesn't guaranty that the methods are used.
I had my doubts as well but my mind is changed. I'm half way through teaching a square dance unit (also line dances and contras) for a Montessori school. I have 32 kids grade 1 through 6 for four one-hour sessions. I was dazzled when I watched the children putting things away and moving furniture in preparation for the first dance class. Afterward they put the room back together. I'm sure this would violate a union contract in a public school. As to teaching them - I am having a good time and some reasonable success. They are attentive and responsive and doing a good job given their ages and the limited time we have together. This afternoon I will do the third session and for the first time mrs jimfree will be joining me to assist.
Do you know the outcome of that case? I would be interested to know.