Freedom
At Abot Tala, we believe that teens should have the freedom to choose the classes that fit their interests, goals, and passions. We provide support, access and opportunities for teens to follow their curiosity and navigate the challenges that come up along the way. When a new member arrives at Abot Tala, we ask them, “If you could learn and explore anything you want, what would that be?” We then guide them in creating their own curriculum based on their interests.
Curiosity, choice, creativity, critical thinking, connection, respect, and real-world experiences are essential for learning. These are what we do our best to develop in the members of Abot Tala, so that they may be empowered to develop their own learning plans and life skills.
Responsibility
We want teens to take responsibility for their learning journey. We encourage our members to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, and to understand that learning is its own reward. A teen bribed with external motivators or commanded to complete tasks often has only two choices: obey authority and succeed, or follow their own motivation and fail within that environment. But at Abot Tala, we provide an environment where self-motivation and self-discipline can be developed and exercised. Many projects undertaken at Abot Tala are collaborative, and teens hold each other accountable for their actions.
To encourage teens to take responsibility, adult mentors at Abot Tala are considered their equals but not their peers, meet with them regularly to assist them in examining their goals, and show them how to make adjustments in their schedules, as needed.
Respect
In our community, we do our best to show each other respect and empathy. Rather than impose authoritative academic standards on members of the community, we respect teens and their families as they develop their own educational standards and we do our best to assist them in this.
Teens and staff support each other, challenge each other, and critique each others’ work. Teens are actively involved in governing and regulating our community: they make decisions regarding community concerns, vote for classes, and even plan events. Teens are capable of leadership and autonomy, and we honor and respect that.
Teens and staff support each other, challenge each other, and critique each others’ work. Teens are actively involved in governing and regulating our community: they make decisions regarding community concerns, vote for classes, and even plan events. Teens are capable of leadership and autonomy, and we honor and respect that.
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