One Kid at a Time: Big Lessons from a Small School

by Eliot Levine, Tom Peters, Theodore R. Sizer

Through the lens of a remarkable urban high school, One Kid at a Time weaves compelling stories and a clear narrative into new possibilities for American education. All students at the Met School have a personalized curriculum and complete real-world internships based on their interests. Students stay with the same teacher for four years, and parents help to plan and assess their child's learning. There are no classes, tests, or grades, but high achievement is expected of all students – regardless of their background. Every student in the Met's first two graduating classes has been accepted to college, even though most will be the first in their family ever to attend. Based on the Met’s first four years, this book offers powerful ideas and sensible strategies for improving schools. “Levine's engaging account helps us see how preparing young people for the ‘real world’ works best when it is intensely caring, relevant, community-focused, and tailored to the limitless varieties of our children's passions and concerns. One Kid at a Time should be read by all parents, educators, and policymakers who demand high standards but recognize the pitfalls of standardization.”
Deborah Meier, author of The Power of Their Ideas
“I want the record formally to note that I “stood beside” this incredible-imaginative-passionate tale of how America’s educational approach can be reformed…. This is a Great Book…there is a learning revolution going on…and The Met Model…learning through passion for the task…will be front and center…come hell AND high water.”
— From the Foreword by Tom Peters, author of In Search of Excellence
“One Kid at a Time is the inspiring and instructive story of an ‘existence proof’ — a successful school whose existence proves that urban children can achieve at high levels if educators are given the license to implement what works and the latitude to jettison what doesn't.”
— Hugh Price, President, National Urban League
“The Met School is a tremendous success by every measure — intense intellectual rigor, incredible nurturing, deep family involvement, (and) a remarkable rate of college placement…. Eliot Levine has captured this wonderful school in a way that uplifts, inspires, and teaches us all what education really means!”
— Peter McWalters, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Shannon Hong · Rating 4 out of 5]

another hw -- from early days of big picture

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levine’s account of the Met School in Providence, RI was my first introduction to the Big Picture school model. This case study includes ongoing conversations with (and an afterword by) the founders Dennis Littky and Elliot Washor while providing a glimpse into the daily life of students at the school.

[Adam · Rating 1 out of 5]

1. Don't give cell phone number to your students.
2. Only the teacher who plays favorites will make enemies.
3. Charter schools CAN work!