Panel Discussion: What Makes a School Classical?


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Jan 10 2025 87 mins   15

Guests

  • Dr. Matthew Post: Founder and Former Director of the Classical Education Graduate program at The University of Dallas; Served with The National Classical Education Symposium, The Institute for Classical Education, and The National Council for Classical Educators; Currently serves as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Honors College at The University of Tulsa
  • Dr. Laura Eidt: University of Dallas- Affiliate Assistant Professor of Modern Languages, Humanities Program Director, Director of UD's K-5 Latin Curriculum Latin Through Stories
  • Dr. Robert Terry: Over 25 years at a Classical University Model School teaching and serving as curriculum director and faculty development, Masters in Great Books, Doctorate of Theology (ThD in Inkling Studies)
  • Jonathan Fiore: Formerly homeschooled, Graduate of Hillsdale, Masters in Classical Education from The University of Dallas, Humanities Teacher at Holy Innocent's Catholic School

Topics Covered

  • What are the essential criteria for a school to be considered classical?
  • There are 4 touchstones that make up a classical education: Christ-centered, cultivation of wisdom and virtue, appreticeship in the 7 liberal arts, and a focus on the timeless and traditional
  • Community and leadership must have an understanding of the tradition for success
  • Atmosphere is central to the success -- order and harmony (beauty) is really important
  • Are the following things necessary?- Great Books, Socratic Dialogue, integration of subjects, Charlotte Mason, Trivium & Quadrivium, Latin?
  • Love and freedom are at the heart of classical education
  • Does reading the classics or teaching ancient Greek history automatically define your school as "classical"?
  • Are we preparing students to see themselves as part of a community and a country?
  • How ought we assess students if education is rooted in love and liberty?-- What does the research tell us about good and bad ways to assess students?
  • What are some common roadblock in classical education?
  • Memory work should be meaningful rather than rote fact chants
  • Seminars
  • Formation of teachers and parents is necessary

Resources we Discussed:

  • Paradox of Education in a Republic by Eva Brann
  • Jefferson's Natural Aristocracy
  • Homer's Iliad and Odyssey

What is a book or poem that every classical teacher and board member should read?

  • The Liberal Arts Tradition by Clark and Jain
  • Plato's Gorgias
  • The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera
  • Homer's Iliad (Fagles or Lattimore translation)
  • Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
  • Paradox of Education in a Republic by Eva Brann

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Credits:
Sound Engineer: Andrew Helsel
Logo Art: Anastasiya CF
Music: Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Violins in B flat major, RV529 : Lana Trotovsek, violin Sreten Krstic, violin with Chamber Orchestra of Slovenian Philharmonic

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