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Tonya Papanikolas ReportingThe Salt Lake School District is expanding what it calls its "choice initiatives" for the next school year, giving parents choices in public education. At Washington Elementary, eight classes focus on a very different way of teaching.
First and second graders are learning about science. The kids have been learning about water cycles, but you won't find them at desks. Instead, the kids learn in small groups and parents help teach the class.
Grace Lee, First Grader: I think they're nice."
Christy Bills, Parent Co-Op, Open Classroom: "The kids are gonna get more attention and they're also gonna benefit from different adults bringing their experience into the classroom."
Today, three extra adults are helping teach science. The class teacher says it's extremely helpful with 30 kids.
Shelly Marston, Open Classroom Teacher: "To meet all their needs is really difficult. But where I can pull a group and focus on just what they need, I feel like I can better meet their needs."
Parents help teach everything from the core curriculum to yoga, sports and languages. Some teach what they do for a profession, others research the subjects they're given.
Kirsten Oliver: "It's a great way for parents to be involved with their kids' education. You know whether or not your child is learning because you're here."
The students can also get a say in what they learn. This morning the kids wanted to learn about tornadoes and hurricanes so the teacher's small group watched a demonstration.
Christina Foster, Open Classroom Teacher: "We try and base learning around kids' questions and what they're truly interested in."
Parents say the kids at this school test a little bit higher than traditional school kids and the students gain confidence from having numerous adults care about them. Plus, it's an easy way to get to know your kids' friends and their families.
The "open classroom" currently goes from kindergarten to sixth grade, but next year, the school will expand to middle school.
