KnoxPopuli podcast interviews Martin Mudd of Adventure Unschool

This podcast episode contains an interview I did with Frank Callo of Knoxville. We talk about schooling, unschooling, and a bit of my story about how I got to thinking critically about education. I enjoyed listening to the whole episode and hope will too. The interview begins after 16:00.

http://www.frankomedia.com/knoxpopuli/2015/3/7/the-knoxpopuli-pod-cast-episode-11-education-and-its-discontents-conversations-with-martin-mudd-and-joy-and-zoe-camacho-readings-by-susan-bradford-and-a-mashup-and-commentary-by-frank-callo

Q: Can I get a diploma through Unschool?

Sure! If the unschooling learner wants a High School Diploma, in Kentucky at least, we can create a homeschool for them and ensure that all the required standards and course work are covered by artifacts documented in their portfolio. They can keep track of their own time and produce rubrics by which their work will be graded, by themselves and others. If they fulfill the requirements, they may apply for a high school diploma. (UPDATE: based on a recent re-reading of the KY guidelines, the homeschool may issue an unaccredited diploma, but completing a GED establishes equivalency. There are also options for receiving an accredited diploma by completing e-coursework.) Difficulties may arise if the student unschools for a time, then chooses to enroll in a conventional school later, since courses will not necessarily have been completed in sequence, but this typically means little more than an extra semester or so of tying up loose ends.

Another excellent option is the General Education Diploma. The GED is accepted by many workplaces. We can easily work into your curriculum time to be used in preparing for the GED. In fact many colleges, community colleges and professional programs will accept a GED for admission. The key is to have a good portfolio and communication skills. Adventure Unschooling provides both of these prerequisites.

Of course, there are also options for learners who choose not to seek a diploma at this time. Private practice of a skill or craft often does not require a high school diploma. And you can always get a GED later in life.

As for college, you do not have to put yourself through the college prep meat grinder. Many colleges and universities are actually changing their admissions policies to avoid the dangerous kinds of stress that such a competitive process can put on aspiring students. Again, with good communication skills, meaningful letters of reference, and a beautiful portfolio of real-world projects you have actually done and artifacts that demonstrate the breadth and depth of your learning, you will be an admissions officer's dream candidate. Good test scores can help, but standardized tests are just a game, and like anything else, games can be studied and mastered by anyone so motivated.

It is true that diplomas can be useful keys to unlocking certain activities for self-cultivation. But it's important to know that choosing not to seek all available diplomas does not necessarily prevent you from actively cultivating your human potential.

Adventure Unschool sample day agenda

Prep work: design your garden bed of 1 square meter in any shape. Suggested reading - Gaia's Garden by Toby Hemenway.

Meet at central library by 8. You can take LexTran to the hub and walk from there.

8 walking warmup (muscle awareness) and chat, walk to community center

9 opening group meditation and intention setting

915 work on a math problem (garden design)

11 cook a stir fry and crock pot stew

12 picnic lunch and play (pass the hat)

13 journal or chat, walk to garden at seedleaf

14 plant seeds and make path in your garden design

16 share circle (pass the mic) and walk to castle wood park

17 crock pot luck and kickball (pass the hat )