Excerpt from tonight's Michigan Student Caucus online chat with SEHS Dean Susanne Chandler:

Q: As a way to improve education in America, Bill and Melinda Gates have spent millions of dollars on creating new types of alternative schools. Some of these focus on science and technology while others focus on giving students specific skill sets. What are your thoughts on implementing alternative or non-traditional types of schools to improve education in Michigan?

A: Yes, I am also following Bill and Melinda Gates in their quest to improve us all (and thank goodness for it). I'm a public school advocate, but within that arena, I'm all for alternative and non-traditional types of education. Frankly, the kinds of education we provide in almost every arena is WAY TOO institutional. For me, it resembles prison. Learning should be fun. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be hard work, but it should also be fun - challenging; sparking curiosity; make kids eyes open wide in wonderment. We're so locked-stepped with standards, it's depressing. What I wouldn't give to open a non-traditional school built on the concept of creating a sense of wonderment in every student.