Equitable futures

Equity is a hot topic at present, particularly as the extent of inequity in our education system has been exposed as a widespread issue as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown response. This month the Aurora Institute released, A Promise for Equitable Futures: Enabling Systems Change to Scale Educational and Economic Mobility Pathways , a new book that calls for the systematic dismantling of the traditional time- and place-bound structures that mark our current K-12 education system. The writers argue that, in its place, we should build systems of governance, policy, and infrastructure to ensure that learners who demonstrate competencies in K-12, postsecondary, workforce, and community settings will have access to continuing education and a purposeful, living-wage career. 

The writers argue for the establishment of a "Learner Promise," a commitment that every learner will have access and support to pursue a certified pathway with system-wide opportunities that guarantee entry into a meaningful, chosen career that will build social and economic capital over the course of their lives. In addition, we should commit to taking the systemic action to specifically disrupt inequities in access, engagement, and attainment for people of all cultures, and people from low-income households. 

While the focus of the book relates to the context of North America, the arguments made here can be applied in any jurisdiction as we address the issues of inequity in our system and in society. 

Thriving in an interconnected world

The OECD defines global competence as a multidimensional capacity that encompasses the ability to: examine issues of local, global and cultural significance; understand and appreciate the perspectives and world-views of others; engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions across cultures; and take action for collective well-being and sustainable development

The video above provides an introduction to the findings of the report which I believe provides some much needed insights into what we need to be focusing more on in our schools as we prepare our young people for the future. 

Life on our planet

In my last newsletter I wrote about a recent Netflix film, The Social Dilemma, which I urge all educators (and parents and community members) to watch, discuss and take appropriate action on in terms of the way our lives and the lives of our young learners are at risk of being manipulated by the companies behind many of the social media platforms we use on a regular basis.

This month I want to draw attention to another Netflix film, A Life on our Planet, featuring famed naturalist David Attenborough. This moving documentary maps how steeply the planet’s biodiversity has diminished over his lifetime, and paints a compelling picture of just how seriously we must take the concerns about what we are doing to the environment, and how urgently we must act if we are to avoid widespread global disaster.

In the latter part of the movie Attenborough turns his attention to describing a number of small-scale successes which, he argues, we should be aiming to amplify and extrapolate. This movie provides an excellent basis for considering the design of a future focused curriculum in our schools, providing a unique insight into the deteriorating state of our environment as detailed in the over 40 years of documentaries created by this man. 

For Attenborough, at the age of 93, this is his "call to action" for all of us who seek to ensure our children and their children are assured of a healthy planet on which they thrive into the future. 

That's it for this month - thanks for subscribing to my site - I encourage you to pass the link to others in your network who you think may find it useful.

Working online with your staff

I have worked in the field of distance education for more than 25 years, and can provide a range of services to your school and staff online. If this is something that interests you please feel free to contact me at derek@futuremakers.nz.