FALL 2006 LETTER FROM DR. ELLEN HALL,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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The month of June brought a great deal of activity surrounding professional development to Boulder Journey School . During the week following the opening of school for the summer session, Ellen Hall traveled to Belfast , Ireland to address a conference sponsored by NiPPA , Northern Ireland ’s early years organization. This organization, although somewhat smaller in size, is akin to NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, in the United States . Ellen’s address, entitled “The Rights of Children” and inspired by our study of the philosophy of the schools for young children in Reggio Emilia, focused on children’s right to participation, along with their right to provision and protection. Her presentation was based on a book on children’s rights that professor and parent Jennifer Rudkin and Ellen Hall are currently co-authoring. The book on the rights of young children examines the similarities and differences between children’s rights and other rights movements as well as the concept of children as community protagonists. Currently, two of the book’s chapters highlight the research of Boulder Journey School teachers regarding children’s perspectives on their rights.

Also in June, Boulder Journey School hosted the 9th annual summer conference, “An Evolution of Understanding: From Daily Moments to Long-Term Investigations - Study and Dialogue Surrounding the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education”. Long time mentor and friend, George Forman and Vermont educators, Jeanne Goldhaber and Dee Smith supported the conference, which also featured the work of Boulder Journey School children, families, and educators. During our days together in Boulder and at Boulder Journey School , we shared stories of daily moments and long-term investigations through presentations, small group dialogues, materials workshops, and affinity group meetings.

Reflections of the experience by participants are testimony to the importance of professional development. One participant wrote:

“Your school and the important work that you do there continue to be an extraordinary inspiration - while offering endless possibilities and opportunities for all who pass through the doors. The joy of working together and learning from one another is visible on all of your faces and reflected on the walls and every space throughout the school.

For the hundred conversations that I had I know there were one hundred and one more. For the hundred things that I learned and brought back with me I know that there are just as many more to discover and new questions to keep me stretching and reaching.”

Preceding the conference, George Forman and Ellen Hall of Videatives, Inc. held a workshop entitled “Using Digital Documentation To Study and Communicate What Children Know”. The 20 participants in this full day initiative engaged in lively discussions and interactive explorations of the innovative uses of digital technology that included the creation of a videative from a brief video clip.

Following the conference, Ellen Hall, Sam Hall, Lauren Foster, Caroline Layde, and Alison Maher participated in the second gathering of Hawkins Centers of Learning, along with representatives from contexts across the U.S. During the three and a half day gathering, members of this innovative learning community sought to define the values and characteristics upon which Hawkins Centers of Learning might be based. Participants in the dialogue also discussed three types of processes for engagement in Hawkins Centers of Learning: gatherings, exhibits and teacher centers.

In August, mentor teachers, administrative and support faculty came together for a faculty retreat. Faculty reflected on current school goals and developed goals for the coming school year. Issues for deliberation included the organization of curriculum and faculty meetings, our work and communication with families and the evolution of our professional development, both as individuals and as a school.

August will also find us welcoming 25 new Interns during Boulder Journey School ’s orientation week. This week is designed as a time to initiate relationships among faculty members as we work together to prepare for the coming school year. School and university faculty will introduce interns to Boulder Journey School and to the Teacher Education Program in which they will participate as students and co-teachers.

We look forward with eager anticipation to the possibilities and opportunities for ongoing professional development that the school year 2006-2007 will provide. Our study of the schools for young children in Reggio Emilia, Italy continues to encourage our dedication and commitment to professional development as a strong value and vital aspect of our work.