Nary a word about it in the domestic press, but overseas papers and gossip sites are thick with stories about Will Smith–yes, that Will Smith–who is reportedly bankrolling a new California Pre-K to 6 school, The New Village Academy of Calabasas.
The legitimacy of the reports can’t be verified, but a lot of care went into creating the school’s web site, which says its opening is set for Fall 2008. Check out the glossary of ten “educational theories” the school purports to use: a Chinese menu of models including constructivism, Piaget, Montessori, Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences, inquiry instruction, et al. Then there’s something called “study technology,” which the school’s web site describes thusly:
An educational model developed by L.R. Hubbard, study technology focuses on three principles. First is the use of “mass” (manipulatives and hands-on experiences) to foster understanding – children need to see and feel what they are learning about. Second is the attention to the “gradient,” which ensures sure students master one level before moving on to the next. Third is the “misunderstood word,” in which students master word definitions and are taught not to read past words they don’t know the meanings of in order to understand completely what they are reading and learning. NVA uses study technology as an umbrella methodology woven through the subjects.
L.R Hubbard? Yes, that L.R. Hubbard.
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