MicroSociety is a unique magnet theme in which learning becomes more meaningful to students through the authentic experiences they encounter each day. George Richmond founded the program in 1967 as a successful attempt to teach students that knowledge is empowering. Since then, the program has spread to over 250 schools across the United States. Alexander Elementary School is privileged to be the first MicroSociety in the state of Tennessee. Our miniature community is called Alexandria, TN. We have a bank, post office, court system, legislature, IRS, Department of Economic Growth, warehouse, a number of museums, retail stores and service-oriented ventures. All students have jobs and earn micro-money that they can spend to purchase items within the MicroSociety. Payday occurs every two weeks and before students can spend their money, they must pay 10 micros in rent, and 30% in taxes as "citizens" of Alexandria. Though our program is still new and growing, we have already witnessed our students taking responsibility for their own learning. As MicroSociety citizens, they are taking the initiative in their roles as "managers" and "accountants" of the ventures and agencies, with teacher-facilitators to guide them. They are also becoming more adept in their problem-solving skills. In addition to enhancing all areas of the curriculum through application, students also have the opportunity to plan, make decisions, and develop a greater understanding of cause and effect relationships in their world. Anonymous Alert http://www.jmcss.net/anonymous_alert.htm

Alexander Elementary School, A MicroSociety

900 N. Highland Avenue Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: (731) 422-1841 | Fax: (731) 424-4801
Email: sehopper@jmcss.org