When I first wrote about Waldorf in public schools for Conscious Choice, some 12 years ago, examples were few and far between. There was Urban Waldorf in Milwaukee and a handful of charter schools in California and Arizona. The number of Waldorf-inspired public schools was up to 45 in 2010, with another 30 expected to open this year, according to the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education.

Those of us who have faith in Waldorf would like to see it more available. We believe all kids could benefit from Waldorf education.

A recent article in Harvard Education Letter, a publication of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, considers whether Waldorf is the answer to school reform.

Waldorf Education in Public Schools: Educators adopt—and adapt—this developmental, arts-rich approach says Waldorf is kind of like the slow food movement.

“In the quest to fix ailing schools, should we slow down to move faster?  Just as the handmade, home-farmed foodie movement is transforming how consumers view processed food, is education’s equivalent—Waldorf-style schooling that favors hands-on art and personal exploration while shunning textbooks and technology—just what school reform needs?”

Of course, coming from Harvard, the article repeatedly refers to the fact that there isn’t proof of Waldorf’s effectiveness.

That may be because standardized tests don’t reflect the multi-faceted human being. Regardless, it is an interesting read. Check it out.

Waldorf Education in Public Schools.