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I think Paul and I agree. We do need lots of different kinds of resources
for curriculum, materials and teaching aids, leadership development, board
development, models of teaching excellence, etc. The relatively small
number of Jewish schools are not likely to generate competition and
profits sufficient to create for-profit enterprises like an ISM or ASCD. =
=20
Hence, the call for foundations to support all of the above. I'm merely
skeptical of ONE centralized anything, given the inherent pluralism and
perspectivism of modern Jewish life, Orthodox and/or otherwise. I believe
Paul and I agree that a central anything would not help with the above
list. Successful schools are mission-driven, clear and focused in their
efforts, do not try to be all things to all people. Hence, my fear of any
effort which tries to make schools uniform under the name of efficiency
and expediency. As a foundation professional, I would be more inclined to
support one school which undertook an intensive curriculum renewal, with
teachers engaged in writing their own, with expert outside assistance,
over 2-3 years, with constant field testing, analysis, reflection, etc.,
rather than granting money to an academic center to write curricula for
lots of schools. The challenge is not only one of money but time. Never
enough time in our schools for kids to be kids, for teachers to really
learn and create a learning community. Limitations of money and the
demands of a dual curriculum. Any thoughts about time limitations and
whether we are trying to teach kids too much? This invariably leads to
questions as to what we'd give up and sentiments that we're already not
teaching enough. But what are kids actually learning, regardless of what
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