Q.  What expectations do teachers have regarding homework?

A.  Teachers expect the student to do the work as independently as possible.  Parents may help to show the student how something is done or correct a problem, but not all the problems. Students will usually have had a lesson in class before the homework is assigned.  Teachers then like to see what a student knows and where they may need additional lessons or help.

Q.  Why does Stanford Montessori not give extrinsic rewards to students when they have excelled at an activity?

A. Maria Montessori believed that the work in itself was a reward.  Students are intrinsically rewarded for successful task performance.

Q.  What is the Stanford Policy regarding birthday treats?

A.  We request that larger celebrations be done at home with family and friends.  Montessori has a unique observance called, “The Earth Goes Round the Sun”.  If any school celebration is done we like to see healthy muffins and snacks rather than sugar, salt, and high-fat snacks.

Q.   What is an “S-Team meeting”?

A.  An S-team (Support Team) meeting is held to discuss any problem, such as academics, behavior, health, attendance, a student might be having that is making it difficult for him/her to function in the classroom.  An S-team is simply a problem-solving meeting. It includes anyone who has interest in the child's welfare, typically the parents, teacher, principal, guidance counselor, and psychologist or special education teacher if needed.  At the meeting, everyone discusses their view of the problem and the team develops solutions to try for 6-8 weeks.  Later, another meeting is held to discuss the outcome of the solutions and whether further intervention is needed.  Occasionally, but not usually, these interventions involve testing by the psychologist or a recommendation to consult another professional.  More often, the problem is solved simply because everyone came together to problem-solve.

Anyone can request an S-team meeting, including parents.  In our school, the guidance counselor sets up the meeting times and does the paperwork.  Meetings are usually held during the teacher's planning time (when the students are in specials).

Q.  Is Montessori structured?

A.  Yes, each student has a workplan they follow everyday.  They are allowed more freedom than a regular classroom, but it is structured.

Q.  Do the students use textbooks?

A.  The classroom is set up so that the students use the Montessori materials off of the shelves.  Textbooks are used for supplemental activities and for practice working on skills.