Prospect Center

Using Descriptive Processes and reflective conversations to inform the work of teaching

Using Descriptive Processes to gain another way of looking

Using Descriptive Processes to create political ground and to think about school as public and democratic space, supporting variety, diversity, and complexity

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

The overall aim of this Institute is to explore the many ways in which children express their ideas of the world through activities, words, and works, and to consider the implications of this understanding for classroom practice, curriculum, school policy, and assessment. The basic content of this Institute is the Prospect Descriptive Processes and the unique perspective they provide for thinking about children and their work. Some of the issues central to this Institute are:

• What does it mean to take the time to look closely and describe?
• What does a school or classroom have to be in order that each child be recognized and heard?
• What of importance to children and their education is made visible through their works?
• What must we do to enable each child to be the agent of her/his own learning?

This residential Institute is a five-day workshop for parents, teachers, and other educators who wish to examine issues of teaching and learning through the perspective of the Prospect Descriptive Processes. To build the coherence of the Institute, it is important that participants attend all five days, from 2:30 pm Sunday, July 31 to noon Friday, August 5^th.

Observation and description of children and their works are central to this Institute. The context for our inquiry is formed both from our shared recollections of ourselves as learners and from reading about and discussing issues such as standards and values, school culture, race, and gender. We will use Prospect's Descriptive Processes to study individual children and the writing, drawing, painting, model making, talk, and other "works" they produce in their classrooms. A core of the work the group does together is describing the spanning collections found in the Prospect Archive of Children's Work. Participants are urged to bring collections of children's work with them. Also, if you are interested in doing a Descriptive Review of a Child or have a critical issue to discuss, there will be opportunities. Readings will be mailed to registered participants well before the start of the Institute.

The Institute is designed to serve "returnees" as well as first-time participants. Everyone will take part in Descriptive Reviews of the Child, Descriptive Reviews of Work, and Reflective Conservations. Those who are new to these processes will get to know them well. Participants who are more experienced, but not yet confident in the role of chair, will be asked to act as facilitators, helping presenters prepare and co-chairing groups. We also encourage groups from the same school to attend. This enables schools to begin to use the Descriptive Processes as part of their ongoing work.

The Processes on which this work is based were developed at the Prospect Center and through the ongoing work of the Prospect Board, its institutes, conferences, and publications. This Institute on Descriptive Process runs concurrently with the first week of the Institute on Descriptive Inquiry (a self-governing, collaborative study group, composed of educators and other experienced professionals, that has convened annually since 1978) and the Institute on Exploring Classroom Questions. There will also be a group working with the Prospect Archive. Since meeting rooms and dorms will be nearby, participants of all groups will have the opportunity to share informal talk and to take part in descriptive inquiry sessions as well as in journal writing, drawing, and other evening work sessions. Social events are also planned.

Prospect's political message is strong and radical. ALL children (and all people) are able to think and to learn—not just some. By choosing to attend this Institute, you can join your experience, ideas, and questions with those of other educators who share a dedication to an educational vision that starts and builds from children's and teachers' strengths. With its in-depth focus on children and their strengths, Prospect provides educators with small and large ways to keep the well-being of children and their families at the center of their practice. Looking closely at children expands their presence and reminds us of the infinite possibilities each person embodies.

LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS

The Institute is a residential Institute housed at Bennington College, Bennington, VT. Rooms are double occupancy; bathroom facilities are shared. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the College dining hall.

FACULTY

The faculty of this Institute are educators who are deeply knowledgeable about Prospect's Descriptive Processes and ways of thinking about educational practices and issues.

FEES AND CREDITS

The Institute fee is $600. This fee includes all program costs as well as room and board at Bennington College. A limited amount of financial aid is available. Please contact Cecelia Traugh via email (Cecelia.traugh@liu.edu) or by phone (718-488-1088 work or 914-964-8219 home) for more information on financial aid.

Prospect's top priority is to expand and diversify participation in all its institutes and conferences. We want more educators speaking out for democratic values and for schools responsive to children. Diversity of all kinds immeasurably strengthens that message.

Prospect does not discriminate on the basis of race, sexuality, gender, gender expression and identity, age, ability, religion, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admissions policies or practices.

Two credits can be earned through The Graduate School, Antioch New England. These credits cost an additional $300. Please indicate on your enrollment form if you are interested in credits.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Institute on Descriptive Process can accommodate a minimum of 15 participants, who will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We urge you to respond as soon as possible. A non-refundable fee of $100 must be enclosed with the application form, and both must be submitted by May 15, 2005.The balance of the fee is due upon acceptance to the Institute. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will receive a prompt email or postcard acknowledgment when their application arrives at the office and a letter describing the content of the Institute in more detail, what to bring, etc. will be sent in May or June.

Please make your $100 deposit check payable to PROSPECT CENTER and send it with the application form to: John Recco; Prospect Center, Box 328; North Bennington, VT 05257; Tel: 802 442 8333 Fax: 802-442-9444; www.prospectcenter.org

If you have any questions, please contact Cecelia Traugh via email (Cecelia.traugh@liu.edu) or by phone (718-488-1088 work or 914-964-8219 home).

 

PROSPECT SUMMER INSTITUTE ON DESCRIPTIVE PROCESS

July 31-August 5, 2005

APPLICATION FORM

 

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________ e-mail address:__________________________

Place of work: ______________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Position:_____________________________________________________________

Grade level, if a teacher:_______________________

Work phone: _________________________________

o    I am interested in earning credits.

[ ] My registration fee of $100 is enclosed. I understand that this application, with the non-refundable fee, reserves a place for me in Prospect's Summer Institute on Descriptive Process. In the event of over-enrollment or under-enrollment, my fee will be returned.

Make your check payable to PROSPECT CENTER and send it with the enrollment form to: John Recco, Assistant to the Board, Prospect Center, Box 328; North Bennington, VT 05257; Tel: 802 442 8333 Fax: 802-442-9444; www.prospectcenter.org

Is there a particular topic you would like us to consider at this Institute? Are you bringing materials—student writing, art, collections of work, or teacher records, materials for a Descriptive Review? Please name questions and/or describe briefly what you will bring: