Starting in the Fall of 2011, when we met with Salman Khan of the online education resource Khan Academy, the Teen Press has been exploring creative ideas in education. After the Film Festival, we partnered with the Orfalea Foundation, who wanted to highlight three Innovative Education Programs in the county, specifically to share with a champion of creativity in education, Sir Ken Robinson. The Teen Press researched & reported from three locations:
  • Hope 4 Kids Preschool, an outstanding example of The Outdoor Classroom Project of the Orfalea Foundation,
  • Franklin School, where we highlighted the Visual Arts program of ICAN, the Incredible Children's Art Network, and
  • Santa Barbara Middle School, home of the Diamond Time, a multi-faceted morning elective program.

On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, Alex, Dia, Oli and Sarina attended a special Q&A with Sir Ken, co-sponsored by the Orfalea Foundation and Lynda.com, held at the Pixel Cafe, part of Lynda.com's Carpinteria HQ. There the films were shown, and an extended discussion about education in person and online. Later that evening, Sir Ken lectured, answered questions and signed books at UCSB's Arts & Lectures "Innovation Matters" series, held at Campbell Hall. As the clock struck 11 pm, the team got to talk directly with Sir Ken (presented in parts: 1, 2, & 3) for almost as long as the event lasted at the Pixel Cafe.

The very next night, mentors Natalie, Zoe and Ruby attended Parker Palmer's lecture "Healing the Heart of Democracy" at the Lobero Theater, and again got to spend quality time grilling Parker on his thoughts about education (in two parts: 1 & 2).

Check them out, below....

The Sir Ken Robinson Project:

An extended conversation with
SIR KEN ROBINSON -- His Ideal School

The Sir Ken Robinson Project:

3 Films for the Orfalea Foundation
INNOVATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS