Public Montessori with Principal Kathy Lause (Dec 2024)

Join me in a discussion with public Montessori principal Kathy Lause of School 91 in the Indianapolis Public Schools district as we talk about the highs and lows, benefits and challenges of being school leader of a public Montessori school.

Kathy shares details on two “big ideas”:

1. Creating documented agreements about what Montessori schools look like in the district, with a unified voice among Montessori building leaders

2. Building relationships at the district level, including inviting leaders in to experience your school

Kathy also shares the table of contents for the Montessori guidebook co-created by Montessori building leaders and approved by the school district. Content list is included below to help you think about what could be included in your district guidebook, with leadership support:

Dr. Maria Montessori

IPS Montessori Origins and History

Mission and Vision

IPS MONTESSORI VISION

IPS MONTESSORI MISSION

Philosophy and Pedagogy

General Montessori Information

Certification and Professional Development

Follow the Child

Character and Academic Education

Peace

Grace and Courtesy

Responsive Classroom

Race Equity and Global Mindset

Concentration and Independence

Intrinsic Motivation

A Carefully Prepared Environment and Montessori Materials

Work Plans & Work Cycles

Multi-Age Environment

Montessori Classroom Assistants

Preparation of the environment

Observation

Support with Procedures

Curriculum

Curricular Areas

The Montessori Spiral Curriculum

Cultural Subjects Early Childhood

Cultural Subjects Lower & Upper Elementary

First Great Lesson – Coming of the Universe and Earth

Second Great Lesson – Coming of Life

Third Great Lesson – Coming of Humans

Fourth Great Lesson – The Story of Writing

Fifth Great Lesson – The Story of Numbers

Practical Life Early Childhood

Practical Life Lower & Upper Elementary

Math Early Childhood/sensorial

Math Lower & Upper Elementary

Language Early Childhood

Language Lower & Upper Elementary

Sensorial Early Childhood

Montessori Albums and Curriculum Maps

Data & Assessment

Assessment Principles

Observation

Individualized Assessment

Holistic Assessment

Family Involvement

Assessment Tools

Work Plans

Checklists and Rubrics

Standardized Testing

Aligned District and State Assessments

Reporting

Grades and Report Cards

MTSS

MPTA (Montessori Parent Teacher Association)

Inclusion Policy

Philosophy and Guiding Principles

Individualized Education

Respect for Diversity

Collaboration

Inclusive Curriculum

Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs)

Teacher Training and Professional Development

Physical Accessibility

Communication

Social Inclusion

Assessment and Accountability

Documentation

Resource Allocation

Essential Elements for Montessori in the Public Sector

Adults

Environment

Leadership and Organizational Development

Family Engagement

Assessment

Sources

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