Collection ID: LMC 2838
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Bensman, David, 1949-
Abstract:
The Bensman, David mss., 1976-1997, consists of the research materials of David Bensman, a professor in the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University, which he amassed in the process of writing Central Park East and Its Graduates: "Learning by Heart."
Extent:
4 Boxes
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Bensman, David mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Education reformer Deborah W. Meier, who wrote the forward to Learning by Heart, founded Central Park East Elementary School in 1974 as an alternative public school. Meier believed that schools should be small, humane, democratic places where children learn how to learn and how to think for themselves. The premise of the school included open classrooms where teachers observed students working with various materials and projects and then used those observations to formulate a plan in order to further their skills and interests. Her work ultimately helped to spark a revival of progressive education in the city and the nation.

David Bensman, 1949- , conducted his first study of the school, Quality Education in the Inner City, in 1986 in order to document the school's 10 year history. In 1990, feeling that his first study did not fully explain the school's success, Bensman decided to find and interview former students about their experiences and the trajectory of their educations, careers, and lives since graduating from Central Park East. His work resulted in the publication of the book Central Park East and Its Graduates: "Learning by Heart" (2000) as part of the Teacher College Press' series on school reform.

Scope and Content:

Research Files includes files of former students, survey data, and miscellaneous files. The bulk of these materials are phone surveys and transcripts of interviews conducted with former students and their parents, but there are also student progress reports, writing samples, projects and correspondence.

Acquisition information:
Gift: 2014
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into one series: Research Files.

Physical location:
ALF (Auxiliary Library Facility)

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Bensman, David mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu