Students Plan Curriculum In Pioneer II 'Orientation'

There were five groups of them, all sitting in circular form, facing each other. Each student's face seemed intensely involved in the discussion of plans for Pioneer II. Some of the crowd of students spilled into the hallway of the Jones Building, which unexpectedly became the new home of the "free school," an experiment in alternative education. Pioneer II was originally planned to be located in the Fritz Building on N. Maple Rd. until the building was judged to be a fire hazard two days before the scheduled opening last Monday. "We're discussing what our main goals are for the school," explained a girl in the Pioneer II project, "and exactly what classes will be offered." "I guess you would cali what we're doing a kind of orientation week," another student interjected. In this particular group, the "rap session" had cemented several main goals for Pioneer II students such as "finishing high school, creating a real learning environment, really getting to know people . . ." One student leaned forward as if to emphasize his feelings to the group: "At Pioneer II we're trying to learn more and accomplish more work. The important thing to me is that we can work at our own speed instead of the level of an entire class." Academic classes are to begin next week for the Pioneer II students and according to one of the three black students enrolled in the program, his group had suggested such things as music, art, chemistry, drama, photography, anthropology and conservation as part of the program. "There is no limit to the number of classes we can take," he said. "However, all students must have two majors," he said. It was also explained that as long as enough students were interested in a subject a class would be formed. "For once'I have a real interest in school, in learning and in the people around me," said another enthusiastic Pioneer student. A progress report will be given on the Pioneer II program tonight at the' Ann Arbor Board of Education meeting. Pioneer II, according to school officials, will be geared to provide a structure in which students can learn from each other; to provide a school without walls, where the environment in which students are encouraged to learn is greatly expanded; and to provide a learning-centered education which will allow the individual to work according to his own abilities. Students attending the school will receive full academie credit and the curriculum generally will be determined by the student body through these various discussion groups. ftplA-'C&'K, LVC-C-CK c-tv-iíLr'z - -.s fj.r ' ry Some cali him Super Bruce. Some say he is the hope of the besieged Ann Arbor School System: In a few short months as superintendent, Dr. R. Bruce McPherson has succeeded in making the education of our children the major issue in Ann Arbor. Stoic in the face of criticism, the superintendent is the veteran of storms in Philadelphia schools that journalists there have termed war. But where there was no hope for Philadelphia's relentless march towards bankruptcy; Dr. McPherson asserts it need not happen here, and he won't let it. Critics say his savings are paper maneuvers and his changes are fraudulent. An opposition is forming, perhaps, but they seem more confused over his programs than confident of his errors. Perhaps too few have yet seen the man to judge him. In the face of slung headlines and the arrows of criticism, there remains the individual. Advisor photographer L.R. Dolph sought that individual during one of his daily trips to schools in his district. Dr. McPherson ventures out to the front while past school generáis have remained in their tents. His programs may ring of cost analysis but his in-put is definitely human. Here he tours Clinton Elementary School with Principal Frederick Stegath. Clinton is overcrowded with 12 portables. There is room for no more, but the school lies in one of Ann Arbor's fastest growing surburban areas. If voters would have approved one of three bond issues seeking funds for expansión in past years, Clinton could have been built to accommodate the burgeoning population. I Now many of our children are taught in tin huts.