2. Child Development
An understanding of child development guides all aspects of the educational program, to the greatest extent possible within established legal mandates.
- Human development proceeds in approximate 7-year phases. Each phase has characteristic physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions and a primary learning orientation.
- The Public Waldorf educational program, including the curriculum, teaching methodologies, and assessment methods, work with this understanding of human development to address the needs of the individual and the class in order to support comprehensive learning and healthy, balanced development.
- Our developmental perspective informs how state and federal mandates, including curriculum sequence, standardized testing, and college and career readiness, are met.
1. Image of the Human Being
Public Waldorf education is founded on a coherent image of the developing human being.
2. Child Development
An understanding of child development guides all aspects of the educational program, to the greatest extent possible within established legal mandates.
3. Social Change Through Education
Public Waldorf education exists to serve both the individual and society.
4. Human Relationships
Public Waldorf Schools foster a culture of healthy relationships.
5. Access and Diversity
Public Waldorf Schools work to increase diversity and access to all sectors of society.
6. Collaborative Leadership
School leadership is conducted through shared responsibilities within established legal structures.
7. Schools as Learning Communities
Public Waldorf schools cultivate a love of lifelong learning and self-knowledge.
Confluence Issue on Core Principles
Features seven articles by seven members of the Alliance Board on the seven Core Principles of Public Waldorf Education.