Adolescent Initiative
Overview
The Adolescent Initiative is a process; a thorough study of what current practices are being implemented in today's classrooms...INCLUDING YOURS!
The goal of this initiative is to conduct a study and review of the development of the Montessori adolescent orientation to prepare Montessori teachers for the third plane of development. The project will include a review of the evolution of the “adolescent movement” from its beginnings with the first adolescent colloquium in 1998 to the current NAMTA Orientation to Adolescent Studies.
Through surveys of current adolescent programs, assessment of current teacher preparation, site visits, deep dive events and colloquia, the initiative will develop frameworks for ideal learning environments for adolescents. This research will inform the development of “toolkits” for schools as they implement 12-15 and 15-18 Montessori programs.
Special attention will be paid to the development of the course of studies and programs from the early adolescent (12 to 15) to the second sub-plane (15-18).
Based upon this initial research and review of the adolescent orientation, the initiative will establish an AMI diploma course.
Concurrently, the initiative will establish requirements and guidelines for identifying and training additional lecturers and trainers for trainers at the adolescent level.
The initiative will be led by an Executive Study Team from AMI which will act as an advisory and pedagogical review board.
OBJECTIVE 1
Explore and identify the most current and relevant understanding of adolescent psychology and learning with an emphasis on Universal frameworks of adolescent Montessori environments.
•Organize knowledge into implementation “toolkits” to stimulate new and existing schools with this knowledge as a backbone for creating optimal learning environments.
OBJECTIVE 2
Develop an AMI Adolescent Diploma Training course based on knowledge and learning from the past Adolescent Orientations, the currently assessed needs of preparing adults for the environment identified in Objective 1 and built around current understanding of brain science, cultural relevance and adolescent psychology.
OBJECTIVE 3
Articulate and develop clear pathway(s) for experienced educators to become trainers/specialist/lecturers/presenters.
Follow along with this timeline and see how we’re progressing within the adolescent landscape!
Introductory Workshops: 40-hour “Intro to the Adolescent” workshops are now being offered. There are several scheduled for Europe in the spring 2019. You can find out more about them on this website.
2019 Orientation 2.0: While based on the original framework for the Orientation to Adolescent Studies, these 2019 orientations will lay the groundwork toward the complete diploma course.
Amsterdam Colloquium: The Adolescent Colloquia is a gathering of adolescent practitioners cooperatively working to develop the deepest understanding of the needs and characteristics of the adolescent and, therefore, the optimal practices of Adolescent Montessori education for the third plane in consult with experts in relevant disciplines. The next colloquium will be in Amsterdam in early April 2019.
