Open education and commitment

By George Roeper

Original Publication Date: May 19, 1972

One of the core tenets of the Roeper Philosophy is that children must be allowed to participate in shaping their own destiny to the degree that they are able. One of the most visible elements of this approach at the school is the freedom students have to choose their own courses, which allows them to make choices based on their interests and goals and provides an opportunity to strengthen their decision-making skills. In this paper, written soon after the school had graduated its first senior class in 1969, George discusses why this freedom is necessary, but also why it imposes a moral responsibility on the student to fulfill his or her commitments.