[T]he more radical the person is, the more fully he or she enters into reality so that, knowing it better, he or she can transform it. This individual is not afraid to confront, to listen, to see the world unveiled. This person is not afraid to meet the people or to enter into a dialogue with them. This person does not consider himself or herself the proprietor of history or of all people, or the liberator of the oppressed; but he or she does commit himself or herself, within history, to fight at their side. - Paulo Freire

Values Statements

Human Restoration Project (HRP) centers its work around four values statements. Each of these statements places systemic change at the forefront to create radically student-centered school systems. Each systemic structural change is outlined in detail in our Primer.

1. Learning is rooted in purpose finding and community relevance.
   1. Map a Path to Purpose
   2. Learn Experientially
   3. Connect to the Community
   4. Promote Literacy
   5. Create Cross-Disciplinary Classrooms
2. Social justice is the cornerstone to educational success.
   1. Support a Reflective Space
   2. Demand Inclusive Spaces
   3. Authenticate Student Voice
   4. Adopt Critical Pedagogy
   5. Utilize Restorative Justice
3. Dehumanizing practices do not belong in schools.
   1. Radically Reduce Homework
   2. Build Strong Relationships
   3. Eliminate Grading
   4. Redefine Assessment and End Testing
   5. Reform Food Systems
4. Learners are respectful toward each other’s innate human worth.
   1. Self-Direct Learning
   2. Support and Elevate Teachers
   3. Stay Buzzword Free
   4. Cooperate, Don’t Force Competition
   5. Support Multi-Age Classrooms

FAQ

• What is Human Restoration Project?
• What does Human Restoration Project do?
• What separates Human Restoration Project from other nonprofit organizations?
• Who is an HRP educator?
• What is “progressive education”?
• How are we funded?
• What is “systems-based thinking”?
• How do we typically support schools and districts?
• What free resources do we offer?

Book “Starter Pack”

Chosen based on their relevance to our work as well as their accessibility.

1. The End of the Rainbow: How Educating For Happiness (Not Money) Would Transform Our Schools by Susan Engel
2. Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks
3. The Schools Our Children Deserve by Alfie Kohn
4. Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School by Carla Shalaby
5. Equity-Centered, Trauma-Informed Education by Alex Venet

Additional recommendations.