Science, statistics, and studies are wonderful but sometimes they are little more than verifications of obvious truths.  We know, for example, that if you smile at a student he will learn more than if you criticize him.  People do better with praise, encouragement, and expressed confidence than they do with humiliation, impatience, and indifference.

If human beings could be perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather than dull and unresponsive, then they would thrive and grow to their capabilities.

Every student needs to develop a core of essential knowledge with which to negotiate the world.  From the very beginning, students need to see connections…not a slice of science, a slice of history, a slice of literature.

Students keep asking “Why?” precisely because they are looking for relationships and patterns.  “Why?” is a curiosity question.  “Will this be on the test?” is a conformity question.

The main priority of an effective learning program should be the study and use of symbols.  A deepening understanding of the words, numbers and arts that make up a language provides the best possible foundation for adult life.

• words as the system of symbols to express feelings and ideas;
• numbers as a universal system of communication about quantities, space, time and energy;p
• the arts as expression of our most evocative ideas and feelings