A rejection of privatized and failing school structures, the students have begun deciding what they want to learn and how. They’ve begun constitution classes and philosophy classes, practicing cooperative learning, with students teaching students and students teaching teachers.

Weekly assemblies have become standard.

One of the most notable accomplishments of the student movement is the effect it has had on the barrios, where it has increased social organization. At public school A-90, the parents association now supports the student takeover and control of the school. Cacerolazos in San Miguel led to “territorial assemblies,” where neighbors go to discuss problems in the barrio, as well as general problems such as education. Similar groups have been reported in other Santiago barrios, with up to 200 neighbors in attendance.

The school is a model of excellence, with children excited to attend and discipline self imposed. 

Eliana Lemus, a teacher of biology, chemistry, and physics, and principal of the school, maintains that discipline is much greater than it used to be, perhaps because it is not imposed and there is a desire to be together and share the experience.

What a beautiful, novel idea. This needs to spread.