Introduction
For changing this situation, and for allowing more students the opportunity to break out of the routinized working environment that would otherwise expect them after graduation, Darling – Hammond is suggesting the application of an educational model based on five practices, meant to challenge the educational focus of nowadays elementary and secondary schools:
“1. Small size for the school or learning communities within the school
2. Structures that allow for personalization and strong relationships
3. Intellectually challenging and relevant instruction;
4. Performance – based assessment
5. Highly competent teachers who collaborate in planning and problem - solving” (Darling - Hammond, 2010, p. 244).
Practices Defined
As Darling – Hammond (2010) notes, students tend to feel safer ...