How are we different

	How Are We Different?

	Parents will notice some very striking differences between the Montessori approach to learning and the traditional education they grew up with. The Montessori method is designed not only to teach children basic skills and information. They are also encouraged at a very young age to learn to trust their own ability to think and solve problems independently. The goal of teachers is to lead students to think for themselves and become actively engaged in the learning process. Nightingale Montessori embraces the reform ideal of individualized learning, but we will not sacrifice the time-honored rigors of a traditional education. Weighing the best of both models, we make it our mission to build self-discipline, stimulate high achievement, and practice awareness of personal responsibility.

	Reform Values at NM Reverence for learning Individualized assessment Learning how to learn Critical thinking skills Practice making choices Creative expression Enriched learning environment Building trust and confidence Self-motivation Individualized education Reverence for life	Traditional Values at NM Acquisition of basic skills Frequent assessment High achievement Competency/proficiency Highly-scripted curriculum Mastery of sequential steps High-order/critical thinking Discipline (self-discipline) Building character Responsible citizenship Appreciation of diversity

	Reform Methods at NM Matching teaching to ability Self-evaluation Seminars and debates Collaborative group learning Conflict resolution technique	Traditional Methods at NM Scripted Curriculum Scheduled group classes Mandatory discipline Some lecture experience Competition (by choice) Proficiency tests

	Reform Methods Rejected Lack of structure Unaccountability Invented spelling	Traditional Methods Rejected Homework overload Comparative grading Reward /punishment incentives

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