In a recent interview with Newsmax, Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed her anticipation for an upcoming visit to Indiana.
The purpose of her visit is to engage in discussions with Republican Governor Mike Braun about the state's innovative use of microschools. These unique educational institutions are small, non-traditional learning environments that blend aspects of homeschooling, private schooling, and personalized learning, as defined by the National Microschooling Center.
According to Newsmax, McMahon praised Governor Braun's advocacy for microschools during her appearance on "Rob Schmitt Tonight". She shared her personal experience of visiting a microschool in New York, highlighting the distinctive educational approach these schools offer. "I visited a microschool that happened to be in New York, and to see just how different that education is, it really is more one-on-one activities with the children," McMahon said.
She further explained the peer-to-peer learning model, where older students who have mastered certain skills help teach younger students. "And one teacher told me this is when we know that a child has totally mastered a skill or concept, when they can then be part of the instruction for a younger student," she added.
McMahon's enthusiasm for microschools extends to her upcoming visit to Indiana. "It was fascinating to watch and to see how that entire school was operating. So I'm anxious to see some of the schools in Indiana and to talk more about it. And it's going to be a great trip. I'm really looking forward to it," she said.
Scott Bess, President and CEO of the Indiana Charter Innovation Center, shared with the Indiana Capital Chronicle that despite a statewide teacher shortage, many educators are eager to join microschools. The appeal lies in the increased flexibility and the opportunity to work more closely with students. Bess explained that microschool teachers are not burdened with preparing daily lesson plans for large groups of students. Instead, they act more as coaches or facilitators in multiage classrooms.
McMahon clarified the funding model for these innovative schools. "They are charter schools, which means that they do get mostly public funding," she said. "In some states there is private funding that goes along with it, as well. But, yes, these are considered public schools, and it's a different way."
She also linked the rise of microschools to President Donald Trump's vision for education. "When President Donald Trump talks about sending education back to the states, he wants states to be able to be innovative with their educational system and to allow them to approach different ways to teach students," McMahon said.
She noted that the popularity of homeschooling surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and microschools offer a similar, yet distinct, model. "This is a little bit like that, except that students do often go to one-room schools. So I'm anxious to see what the model in Indiana is like," she added.
The growth of microschools represents a shift towards more flexible and personalized education models. This aligns with conservative values of limited government and individual freedom, as it allows states to innovate and tailor their educational systems to their unique needs. As McMahon's visit to Indiana approaches, it will be interesting to see how this state's use of microschools might influence the broader conversation about education reform in America.
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