Montessori Adaptations: Case Studies of Application and Access

• In Event: Issues of Race and Access in Montessori Education

Abstract

Fundamental Montessori practices (i.e., student choice, freedom with structure, scaffolding toward independence, and real-world connections) are recognized as aligning with developmentally appropriate practice and enhancing student motivation. We connect Montessori-based practices across settings to bring down barriers between educational approaches. While evidence suggests that the most positive outcomes from any intervention come from high fidelity, full implementation, flexibility is often necessary for broad dissemination of ideas required to serve the needs of diverse populations. Through a process of strategically selecting case studies, we examine five adapted Montessori programs: 1) Rural Balwadi (Anganwadi) – India, 2) Community Rooted Education (CORE) – South Africa, 3) Complementary Curriculum approach – United States, 4) Montessori on Wheels – United States, and 5) Aktion Sonnenschein (The Sunshine Project) – Germany.

Authors

• Mira C. Debs, Yale University

• Angela Murray, University of Kansas

• Lisa P. Kuh, Complementary Curriculum