D’Evelyn Steering Committee Textbook selection committees are key to maintaining the D’Evelyn program because textbooks serve as the foundation for preserving the curriculum envisioned by our founders, therefore, preventing institutional drift. The committee seeks textbooks that will bolster the D’Evelyn liberal arts philosophy as outlined in the Founding Document, quoted below. The textbook must also support teacher-directed, whole group instruction, with a focus on building a student’s knowledge base without political bias. A textbook selection committee is made up of two teachers from the department looking to adopt a textbook, one administrator, one parent member of the D’Evelyn Steering Committee as well as one additional parent from the community. “We, the Initiating Committee, believe the purpose of education is to convey an essential body of cultural knowledge to the next generation, and that a solid liberal arts education is required in order for all citizens to be effective participants in their communities” (David S. D’Evelyn Junior & Senior High School Founding Document, 4). “Assigned textbooks will be mandatory for each student in each course. In addition, other resources will be available, and the use of primary sources will be encouraged” (David S. D’Evelyn Junior & Senior High School Founding Document, 6). Would you consider being part of a textbook selection committee? We are looking for parents who are familiar with and support the D’Evelyn Liberal Arts Program to join us in this very important work. Perhaps you have relevant academic or employment experience that would be beneficial to the committee? We have an immediate need in the English Department which is looking to replace The Yearling as it will soon be out of print. If you are interested in serving on this committee or on another in the future, please contact our Principal, Josh Griffin. D’Evelyn Steering Committee
Do you enjoy reading books on educational philosophy and management and want to collaborate with a group of dedicated parents and staff to ensure that the legacy of D’Evelyn continues? Elections for Steering Committee take place each spring, and we invite all who have interest in this important work to ensure that the school remains committed to its founding principles to apply! Please attend our Steering Committee Candidate Training on November 14, 2017 @ 6:45 p.m. Although the application process is rigorous, the value stems from the deeper understanding of the creation and the philosophy of the school: the belief that the purpose of education is to convey an essential body of cultural knowledge to the next generation and that a solid liberal arts education is essential for all citizens to be effective participants in their communities. Application Packet Required Reading List for Steering Committee Candidates The required reading list for all Steering Committee candidates provide basic knowledge essential to every member prior to their service. These readings provide context, research, thinking and timeless ideas behind the creation of D'Evelyn. The Steering Committee commits to read and expand our knowledge and understanding of educational issues. This summer we read Hirsch’s new book Why Knowledge Matters which explains why a carefully outlined, knowledge-based curriculum ensures success for all students. All of these books/selections are available for checkout in the D’Evelyn Library. Barzun, Jacques. Begin Here: the Forgotten Conditions of Teaching and Learning. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1991. Carver, John and Miriam Carver. “Carver’s Policy Governance Model in Nonprofit Organizations,” 20 November 2004. Web. 20 August, 2017. Chubb, John E. and Moe, Terry M. “The Organization of Effective Schools," Chapter 3 in Politics, Markets, and America's Schools. Washington, D.C.: The Brookings Institute, 1990. Print. Hirsch, E.D. The Schools We Need: and Why We Don’t Have Them. New York: Doubleday, 1996. Print. Ravitch, Diane. “The Rise and Fall of Progressive Education,” Chapter 2 in The Troubled Crusade. U.S.A.: Basic Books, 1983. Print. Singal, Daniel. "The Other Crisis in American Education," The Atlantic Monthly, November, 1991. 59-74. Print. Hirsch, E.D. . Why Knowldge Matters: Rescuing our Children from Failed Educational Theories. Cambridge: Harvard, 2016. Print. |
The Steering Committee is the governing board of the school and establishes policies designed to maintain and enhance its liberal arts philosophy. The Steering Committee appoints Directors to the Board of the D'Evelyn Education Foundation. Archives
March 2023
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