The Waldorf Promise

Where was this video when my wife and I were in the agonizing throes of making decisions about our daughter's early schooling? The Waldorf Promise is an inspiring and eye-opening introduction to what one teacher on the tape terms the best hidden secret in America. That secret is the Waldorf method--a philosophical and programmatic approach to K-12 education that deals with children as whole individuals, and with learning as an on-going, richly complex partnership between teacher and learner. As is discussed by the remarkably dedicated and visionary teachers interviewed in this piece, the Waldorf approach assiduously shys away from cognitive bashing--the mainstream practice of forcing all students into a rigid, lock-step movement through levels of learning skills and development. Instead, the Waldorf teaching focuses on developing the broader preconditions for effective thinking and learning: self-confidence and self-esteem, a sense of responsibility and community, a love of learning, and an investment in the learning process. The Waldorf Promise interviews teachers, administrators, and kids from a wide range of both public and private schools around the country about their experiences, and their often remarkable successes. This is fascinating stuff, and one wishes the video could have delved a bit deeper into the subject (the video has the unwaveringly bright and upbeat look of sponsored film), offering more background history and comparisons with non-Waldorf schools. Still, it's an intriguing and useful introduction to an important current in educational practice. Strongly recommended for public libraries or academic libraries serving education programs. Aud: C, P. (G. Handman)