Intelligence - A Definition

I believe, as a culture, we do not fully understand what true intelligence entails; most would probably say it is what you know and can regurgitate on a test. However, according to my handy Apple Dictionary, intelligence is defined as "the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills."  And Merriam-Webster concurs, also adding  “to deal with new or trying situations - also  : the skilled use of reason and (2) the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests).” (Interestingly, the second part of the Merriam-Webster definition is what anthropologists have historically used to differentiate humans from other species.) 

We often hear folks referred to as “book smart” or street smart” as if intelligence is static and one-dimensional and you either have it or don’t. We typically discount the brilliant people who are labeled with learning disabilities or those who are kinesthetically, spatially, inter or intra-personally, linguistically, musically, or the hyper-aware of the natural world — kind of smart. 

Additionally, portions of society revere the fake “experts,” who have found a wide-reaching platform for their nonsense, but denigrate the professional scientists, naturalists, and academics who follow the rules of scientific inquiry, by asking questions, acknowledging facts, and seeking out new ways forward. Some (I) would even claim that we are in an era of anti-intellectualism – it seems objectively cool to be dumb or willfully misguided, but still argue that the misinformation (lies) they spout are in fact the truth. 

With that in mind, I believe that in addition to the ability to learn new things and apply them, intelligence ultimately includes the capacity to view novel or previously unfamiliar ideas or theories with an unbiased, receptive, and open mind with the flexibility to change your perception of those things based on that fresh information. And to use that new understanding to think critically and solve problems. 

You may recognize that this all harkens back to the “Doing Better” post I wrote two weeks ago when I highlighted the Maya Angelou quote: “Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better.” 

This past week, I encountered a person who was deeply mired in some notions that were part of their belief system, which were then supported and perpetuated by their confirmation bias. They fully maintained everything they were saying and were unable to even hear anything beyond their prejudiced comprehension of what I was expressing. Based on those differences, they decided DRC is not the right place for their child. I can only hope that I gave them some information to consider outside of our conversation and that they may now know better, at least to the tiniest degree. 

This conversation was a test of my resolve to speak facts and uphold the DRC promise of inclusivity and utter kindness that we extend to everyone, while remaining courteous and polite. We will not change who we are and how we operate to gain membership. If we can’t uphold our philosophy, most fundamental values, and dedication to provide a non-coercive, equitable, respectful, transparent, and openminded environment that supports all forms of intelligence, independent investigation around personal interests, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, as well as sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, diverse ethnicities, and yes, even religious beliefs, then we are nothing.  

DRC News

Summer Program Cancelled
Sadly, due to a lack of participants, our Summer Program will not run this year. We will consider providing it next August, only if we hear expressed interest. 

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A Quick Reminder

• have interests and goals that are not being met by their current educational environment.
• are feeling Bored, Anxious, or Disenfranchised.  Many have tried to make school work for them in various ways and in various locations, with similar results. School is not for everyone.  

• are seeking a hands-on, interactive, and dynamic environment where they can be creative, imaginative, inventive, and curious, explore and make mistakes, get their feet wet, both figuratively and literally, follow their dreams and spread their wings - with folks who will accept them as they are and support them, unconditionally, to grow into their authentic self​.

If any of this describes your child, please get in touch. We are here to help. 

Additionally, the DRC Pop-ups Program is available to any homeschool family in the NoCo. Learn more here.