PSi Visits Mary Lyon Pilot High School
On April 6, the Mary Lyon Pilot High School in Brighton, MA welcomed the Perrone-Sizer Institute for Creative Leadership (PSi) into its community to experience its unique full inclusion model, which accommodates 14 general education students and 6 students with emotional impairments in each classroom.
Being "welcomed into community" was a theme that resonated throughout this dynamic day, which began with classroom observations in the morning. Guest lecturer Dr. Rhoda Bernard, who is Managing Director of the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs, led an exploration of the connections between what PSi participants had witnessed in their observations and Maxine Greene's concept of "wide awakeness."
One definition of wide awakeness that emerged from this conversation was "being human together." This requires both rigor and openness.
And Mary Lyon's founding headmaster and PSi faculty member Dr. Hervé Anoh
made an impassioned case that leaders can't focus on technical challenges alone. Success depends on the culture you create and the relationships you nurture in the school community.
The highlight of the day was a conversation with six Mary Lyon students, who spoke eloquently with PSi participants about their own experiences with an inclusion model and about creating a school culture that makes it possible for everyone to learn. Their love for, and pride in their school says it all. "We're all family." See a few minutes of their conversation here:
Are you seeking the right opportunity to develop your skills as an innovative leader? PSi is now accepting applications for 2018-2019. Learn more at http://bit.ly/CASPSi.