"Students belong at their neighborhood school," says Michael Snow, principal of Copeland Manor School in Libertyville. Under Mr. Snow's guidance, Copeland Manor School has instituted the Regular Education Initiative, which recruits neighborhood children regardless of physical or learning disabilities. As the success of such a program relies heavily on the cooperation and joint effort of parents, staff and administration as well as the students themselves, the program has also strengthened communal identity. In "Buddy Classes," another program implemented by Mr. Snow, older classes are paired with younger classes to pursue year-long projects. Students involved in this program have collaborated on a book about the school, worked on a project for the homeless, and shared reading and science activities. Mr. Snow has also helped introduce a curriculum that integrates computer technologies as early as second grade.
1971 Eastern Illinois University, B.A.
