The Center is an excellent way to manage the great number of visitors observing the school. We see the Teachers Center as Parker's outstretched arm. The Center can efficiently shield the school from the activity thrust upon it while at the same time drawing ideas and inspiration from the visitors. A visit to Parker begins with a meeting at the Teachers Center where the time is framed to assure quality observation with minimal distraction to the actual classroom activity. Teachers can field questions during time in the Center, rather than during class time.
Visitors can also provide input to the school on what they observed.
Parker uses the visits to disseminate information about their program, and receive constructive praise and criticism from outsiders. Future of the Center Visitors to Parker often show interest in a particular aspect of school's program. To facilitate meaningful discussion and learning around these specific areas, the Teachers Center is considering providing a series of seminars. Participants would discuss the process, observe classrooms, and return to the Center for follow up discussion. Alixe Callen would like to provide a time for discussion among participants, which, in addition to helping the guests review and process their observations, would benefit Parker as well.