Education By Invitation Only

"Invitational Education" is a metaphor for an emerging model of the educative process consisting of four value-based assumptions about the nature of people and their potential: (1) people are able, valuable, and responsible and should be treated accordingly; (2) education should be a collaborative, cooperative activity; (3) people possess untapped potential in all areas of human endeavor; and (4) human potential can best be realized by places, policies, and processes that are specifically designed to invite development, and by people who are intentionally inviting with themselves and others, personally and professionally. This "fastback" presents a conceptual model for invitational education and suggests some practical strategies for making schools the most inviting place in town--intellectually, psychologically, and physically. Part 1 describes the assumptions, elements, and theoretical foundations of invitational education. Part 2 provides tips on translating theory into practice through transformation of the places, people, policies, and programs of a school to ensure that each school day is an invitation to learning. Part 3 provides tips for "Increasing Your Invitational Quotient," both personally and professionally. (TE)