Meadowfield Elementary

In Columbia, South Carolina

When they began their Paideia journey during the 2005-2006 school year, Meadowfield Elementary served students from variety of colorful neighborhoods, and the faculty was working to develop a culture of respect. Teachers approached curriculum in fairly traditional ways, and everything was steady.

In August of 2006, just days before the opening of the school year, the Meadowfield Building was having air conditioning installed. Every one was all for the cool air, but their rooms were in a shambles. Amazingly, principal Paula Stephens arranged for professional development focused on the Paideia Seminar to occur at a nearby church. The entire faculty participated in their first adult seminar on “The Use of Force,” a short story by William Carlos Williams dealing with authority, will, and control. The practice of faculty seminar allowed colleagues to better understand and appreciate the different perspectives represented in the group.

Starting that fall, the staff went about using seminars on a monthly basis to help students understand core values including responsibility, cooperation, and perseverance. Likewise, teachers used Paideia Seminars to deepen students’ conceptual understanding of various curricular ideas through thoughtful dialogue.  Four years later, the faculty and staff at Meadowfield are committed to Paideia Seminar, Projects, and Assessment Practices!

Meadowfield Elementary School

525 Galway Lane
Columbia, SC  29209
803/783-5549

Contact:
Paula Stephens, Principal: PSTEPHENS@richlandone.org