Ever since its founding in 1951, ASL has been changing. From its space to its teaching style, the school’s atmosphere has undergone numerous modifications. Few students at the school today can recall these past changes, but some teachers at ASL have first-hand knowledge. French teacher Ms. Solange Kidd and Athletics Director Mr. John Farmer are both former students at ASL. They shared their experiences, stories and observations about the school in the past and present.
A big change that the teachers noticed since attending ASL was the change in how the classes were taught. Ms. Kidd said, “I think (teaching) has become much more regimented in a way. There almost needs to be a proof of whatever assessment you did and whatever grades you give. Whereas I think when I was in school, very often it was just the teacher’s opinion, and you trusted the teacher more as professionals… Of course, that causes all sorts of problems, but I think maybe we’ve lost something in becoming so rubric and grade conscious.”
Mr. Farmer also noted that the general atmosphere was more relaxed, but despite this difference, he said the teachers continue to care about “child growth and development.”
Ms. Kidd also noted that the relationship between students and teachers has changed. She said that as a high school student, “I felt very comfortable approaching them, and questioning them…. It was a very sort of, mutual relationship. At the time, there wasn’t as strict of a barrier between teachers and students. So you know, we’d go out to the pub after performances, and go out for dinner before the theater.” She mentioned that the teaching style lent to this more comfortable, relaxed, relationship.
Though there have been many changes at ASL, some aspects of the school have withstood the test of time. Both Ms. Kidd and Mr. Farmer noted that the essential values of ASL today are the same values that have been in place since its founding. Ms. Kidd said ASL has always been, “a school community that didn’t want to be only focused on academics, but also on the student as a whole person. Their character, as well as their passions, as well as how they fit in and who they are.”
Mr. Farmer agreed, adding, “The quintessential ASL experience of having these incredible opportunities to explore… it is just such an amazing, broadening experience.”
