| INSTRUCTION | INSTRUCTION |
| Knowledge Centered | Student Centered |
| Teacher directed instruction | Self-directed student learning |
| Focus on intellectual, factual learning | Discovery learning |
| Teacher is source of knowledge | Cooperative learning groups |
| Teaching a rigorous rich challenging curriculum regardless of state standards | Teaching to the state test |
| Focus on mastery and excellence | Enrichment and ”fun “ activities |
| Rote learning and memorization of necessary facts in Grammar School | Group projects |
| Complete thoughts and sentences are the norm, students create from a blank slate | Rejects memorization |
| Virtue taught through excellent literature, demonstrated by adults and expected from students | Fill-in-the-blank worksheets, multiple choice, and word searches |
| Emphasis on academic skills in traditional core areas/measured objectively | Morality develops from individual experience, focus on self- esteem |
| Social promotion is preferred |
| Emphasis on “whole-child” approach/measured subjectively |
| CURRICULUM | CURRICULUM |
| Standards based on 2500 years of the best of the Western Canon | Standards based on ever-changing state and federal trends |
| Focus on academic facts | Focus on social concerns |
| Use of primary sources and great literature | Use of textbooks and secondary sources |
| History and geography are defined subjects | Social Studies combines history, geography, sociology and anthropology |
| Focus on American heritage, national sovereignty, and cross-cultural studies | Focus on diversity, multiculturalism, and global citizenship |
| Reading taught through explicit phonics | Reading taught through whole language |
| CLASSROOM | CLASSROOM |
| Scholarly setting | Emphasis on social setting |
| Visuals related to curriculum | Busy and distracting decorations |
| Students face teacher and board at front | Pod or group setting where students have their backs to teacher or the board |
| Emphasis on excellent instruction and imparting wisdom | Emphasis on technology and computer lab time |
| One curriculum-related event each semester | Classroom parties throughout the year |
| A great book in every student’s hand | An iPad in every student’s hand |