education - village living

Education is a pillar of society because it shapes how we grow, work, and solve problems together. Today's education system must follow rigid schedules and standardized paths, sacrificing natural curiosity and individual growth for efficiency and measurable outcomes. But education should emerge from curiosity, develop at each person's natural pace, and connect directly to meaningful work. The goal is to help young people explore their interests, discover their passions, and develop the deep understanding they need to contribute purposefully to their communities. #### Core Principles of Education - we all have the capacity for curiosity - education's job is to engage it - students have the right to progress at their own pace - technology helps tailor, teach, and track personalized education - teachers guide foundational learning through diverse, personalized engagement - voluntary student mentorship nurtures caring and inspiration - teaching deepens mastery and strengthens community - help is freely offered and declined without judgment - real work deepens learning and builds purpose - observe first, understand deeply, contribute effectively #### Structure ##### Learning Activity Framework Four core activities shape each student's educational journey, with participation determined by individual capability and independence: | activity | description | examples | Constant | Guided | Independent | | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------ | ----------- | | Free Play/Social Learning | Natural development of social skills, creativity, and problem-solving through interaction and play | - Student-directed exploration and social development - Mixed-age environments fostering natural mentorship - Both structured and unstructured spaces | 1:6 | 1:12 | 1:20 | | AI-Assisted Independent Learning | Self-paced mastery of core academic content through personalized AI interaction, teacher guidance, peer support | - Personalized learning paths aligned with capability - Direct engagement with adaptive AI tutors - Progress tracking and goal alignment - Integration with formal curriculum requirements | 1:4 | 1:10 | 1:25 | | Community System Integration | Direct connection between learning and real-world application through observation and participation in community systems | - Observation areas at community facilities - Small group guided exploration - Hands-on learning through real work - Direct connection between theory and practice | 1:3 | 1:8 | n/a | | Group Learning/Discussion | Structured knowledge sharing and collaborative learning through various formats of group interaction | - Traditional lectures and instruction - Student-led presentations - Moderated group discussions - Collaborative projects | 1:8 | 1:15 | 1:20 | ##### Independence Framework | System Level | Typical Ages | Population* | Primary Focus | Independence Level | Base Ratios | Required Space | Resource Access | Safety Protocols | AI Integration | | -------------- | ------------ | ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | Infant/Toddler | 0-2 | ~35 | - Basic motor skills - Sensory development - Early socialization - Language acquisition | Constant supervision: - Direct physical support - Immediate response - Contained spaces | 1:4 | 40 sqft/child | - Safe tactile materials - Developmental toys - Nap areas | - Secured entrances - Sanitization protocols - Health monitoring | - Development tracking - Milestone monitoring | | Early Learning | 3-5 | ~40 | - Play-based learning - Social skills - Motor development - Basic concepts | Supervised exploration: - Visual supervision - Structured routines | 1:10 | 35 sqft/child | - Play stations - Art supplies - Learning tools | - Safe play zones - Bathroom protocols | - Basic interactive tools - Picture-based learning | | Elementary | 6-11 | ~55 | - Core academics - Project work - Community observation | Guided independence: - Check-in system - Zone-based activities | - Class: 1:15 - Projects: 1:12 | 25 sqft/child | - Basic workshops - Garden access - Art/music spaces | - Tool use protocols - Zone boundaries | - Adaptive learning - Progress tracking | | Preparatory | 12-18 | ~60 | - System integration - Specialized skills - College prep | Self-managed: - Goal tracking - System access | - Core: 1:20 - System: varies | 20 sqft/child | - All systems - Specialized tools - Tech access | - Equipment certs - Access levels | - Self-directed learning - Research tools | ##### Parent Integration Parents maintain oversight through: - Setting independence levels per activity - Opting out of specific community systems - Reviewing activity time distribution - Accessing to full and summarized AI interaction transcripts - Tracking progress toward state standards - Monitoring personal goal achievement ##### Progress Tracking Two parallel tracks measure growth: - State Standards: Meeting required academic benchmarks - Personal Goals: Pursuing individual interests and capabilities Technology enables: - Activity time tracking - Progress documentation - Independence level monitoring - Integration between learning modes - Parent/teacher oversight ##### Metrics | system | initial cost ($ + hrs) / unit | annualized cost ($ + hrs) / unit | sqft building | sqft land | revenue | market cost | benefits | | -------------- | ----------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------- | --------- | ------- | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [[early learning center - education - village living\|early learning]] | $285k + 1200 hrs | $76.5k + 10580 hrs | 1400 | 3000 | $0 | $480k | Child development, parental support, community continuity, meets state requirements | #### Other Resources - [[community task to academic standards mapping]] - [[michigan education requirements]] - [[current options for education]] - [[summary - lego city]] could be used as a collective teaching or class/individual project #### How Trump Education Changes Impact This | **Category** | **High-Spending States** | **Above-Average Funding States** | **Below-Average Funding States** | **Low-Spending States** | **Higher Education (U.S. Regions)** | |--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | **States Included** | NY, NJ, CT, MA, VT, WY, AK | CA, IL, MD, MN, HI, DE | TX, GA, MI, VA, KS, SC | AZ, MS, OK, ID, UT, NV, AL | U.S. Northeast, West Coast, South, and Midwest | | **K‑12 Funding per Pupil** (USD) | ~$20k–$30k+ (NY ~$29k) | ~$13k–$18k (CA ~$18k, IL ~$16k) | ~$10k–$13k (TX ~$12k, GA ~$14.7k) | ~$9k–$11k (UT ~$9.6k, AZ ~$10.3k) | ~$20k–$30k per student (varies by region and institution) | | **Funding Sources** (Fed/State/Local %) | 7%/30–50%/40–60% (NY ~7%) | 10–15%/40–50%/35–50% (CA ~7% federal) | 12–18%/variable/strong local (TX ~15% federal) | ~15–25%/state + high local reliance (MS ~23%) | Varies – About 50–60% from state/local, 20% from tuition | | **% Eligible Children with Pre-K Access** | Moderate–High (NJ ~35%, VT ~67%) | Moderate (IL ~33%, MD ~36%, CA ~33%) | Low–Moderate (GA ~56%, MI ~32%) | Low–Very Low (AZ ~5%, MS ~10%, OK ~65%) | N/A (Higher Ed not applicable for Pre-K) | | **% Pre-K Local Funding** | Minimal (mostly state/federal funding) | Mixed (state/local shared, e.g., GA, FL, CO) | Moderate–Significant (Local funding required in MS, AL) | Significant (FL, OK, CO) | N/A | | **Special Ed Cost vs. General Ed** | ~2× (average ~200%) | ~2× (avg 200% across states) | ~2× (varies based on needs) | ~2× (varies, but federal funds are crucial) | N/A | | **School Choice Level** | Low–Moderate (charter schools exist, vouchers rare) | Moderate (school choice available but limited) | Moderate (charter schools prevalent, vouchers expand) | High (widely available vouchers and charter schools) | N/A | | **Policy Notes** | High funding, equity-driven; challenges with pension costs and reliance on property tax | Balanced spending with moderate reforms; focus on improving Pre-K and school choice | Fiscal challenges with high reliance on local taxes; rising voucher programs | School choice highly emphasized; fiscal struggles with low funding levels | Funding shifts to focus on tuition, reduced state funding for universities |