Amidst today's educational tides of standards and testing, when and how do children learn the deeper, unmeasured values behind a quality of life? The stories below shed light on pockets of people taking steps to answer that question-- from a first grade teacher's shift in focus to a spectrum of experimental schools in the U.S. to a Walking School Bus that, in the words of one 3rd grader, "calms you down before your school day." --Daniela

Teaching With Values

Justin Minkel knew something had to change when his 1st graders' main motivation to study was to score high on a test or secure the weekly reading prize. This year, he's engaging small shifts to teach the deeper values behind why we learn. Read Full Story »

6 Schools Doing Things Differently

From an "off-the-grid" school that relies on solar panels to classrooms in a public library to a 6-year high school with hands-on internships-- these vignettes shed light on education reimagined. Read Full Story »

Not Your Average School Bus

A straggly line of schoolchildren weave through the streets. Two adult volunteers in safety vests guide the way. In Portland, Maine, kids 'ride' the Walking School Bus, arriving at school ready to learn. Read Full Story »

'Be The Change' Idea

Host a discussion or design a hands-on lesson that invites reflection on what makes a quality life. [more]