Meadowfield, first in S.C. to use The Paideia Academy
By Kayli Asbill
Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com

Photo courtesy of Meadowfield Elementary School Donna Jackson, first grade Paideia Academy representative with Marshall Pinto (c) and Mallory Adams

Meadowfield Elementary School in Richland School District One is drawing state wide attention because it is the first and only school in the state to institute the Paideia Academy.

The Paideia Academy is a three part learning method that has been proven to raise test scores. The method involves more analytical writing prompts and other pieces of literature and art. It encourages children to learn by getting feedback not only from their teachers but from their peers.

Students are given activities to use higher level thinking skills, and they discuss ideas among their peers. The programs helps them understand they can learn from each other without losing their own ideas.

Meadowfield recently held a seminar for parents so they could experience what a seminar is like.

When the seminar began, each person made a teepee name card so that everyone else knows their name in case they want to refer back to what he or she said. Then the group decided what they wanted to accomplish as a whole. Each person then sets goals for themselves, which can be similar or different to the ones the group set. The group is then given a few minutes to study the subject before being asked questions.

The group was shown a picture called "Mending Socks," and then asked questions about the picture. The rules were no raising of hands and each person had to talk at least two times about the picture. The group was asked questions like, "What do the objects in the picture reveal about the woman?" Then each member had to answer and support their answer. When everyone had had a turn, the group was asked if anyone wanted to change their opinion based on what others had said.

Supporters of Paideia believe that it is what the state needs to increase PACT and other standardized test scores. Since standardized tests are including more critical analysis, supporters think children who have been exposed to Paideia will be able to look at a passage or a work of art more critically.

Representatives for The Paideia Academy at Meadowfield are K-1, Donna Jackson; 2-3, Sarah Short; 3-4, Laura Haney; related arts, Marideth Trobaugh; and special Education, Kay Whitley

The Paideia program was started 20 years ago by Mortimer Adler.

www.paideia.org.