Alan Shapiro (education reformer)
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Alan Shapiro (b. January 15, 1926) is an American educator and educational reformer who is currently a leading contributor to Teachable Moment, a New York City-based teacher education project of the Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility.[1]. A University of Illinois graduate, Shapiro taught for many years in the public school system of New Rochelle, NY.
It was in the New Rochelle public schools that Shapiro, a local leader of the American Federation of Teachers, began a collaboration with NYU education professor Neil Postman to develop a model "school without walls" high school. This "Program for Inquiry, Involvement, and Independent Study" began operation within New Rochelle High School in 1970.[2] The school eliminated grades, required courses, and required times of attendance and offered credit through seminars, community projects, and independent study efforts.
The focus of much of Shapiro's work is the development of critical thinking in students.[3] He currently lives in Connecticut.