Putting Education in the Student's Hands

The power of choice is evident throughout history and permeates many aspects of life. Education is also based on choice. Schools of choice like the traditional, charter, private, and blended academies that families here in Royal Oak can choose from are prominent indicators that choice is an essential element of education.

However, choice may be limited once a student walks through the classroom doors. While curriculum may become more rigorous, fewer options may be granted to students. Class offerings can also be limited based on the availability of teaching personnel, especially in the areas of electives for foreign languages, arts, computers, vocational technology, and more.

Dr. William Glasser is well-known for his work on choice theory that explains almost all human behavior is chosen. In addition, studies show that students perform better when allowed to make choices on how to do assignments, which assignments to do, which courses to take and what to study within those courses. An extreme example is Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, Mass., which has no curriculum at all. Sudbury graduates go on to be successful business people, professors and professionals at a very high rate.

As principal of the tuition-free, blended online/on-site public high school, Nexus Academy of Royal Oak, I see evidence among our students that choice itself improves student performance. Technology is one way that we offer choices to our students, by placing resources and direction in their hands to reach anywhere in the world and connect with others who can help them reach their goals.

Schools should offer as many pathways to success as possible in order to maximize student performance.