Chapter 1: Why Write This?

In this chapter, Dr. Unger explores the need for a fundamental reimagining of education. He begins by reflecting on the disheartening experience of witnessing students in classrooms where their passion and curiosity are not ignited. This sets the stage for a discussion on the purpose and design of schools.

Drawing from personal experiences and examples of innovative school models, Chris emphasizes the importance of creating learning environments that inspire and empower students. He highlights the Big Picture schools and Nova High School as examples that prioritize student interests, community connections, and individualized learning experiences. These schools challenge traditional content-focused approaches and instead focus on cultivating students' passions and engaging them with the world around them.

The chapter underscores the significance of effective teaching practices that go beyond simply delivering content. Teachers in alternative models employ creative methods, make connections to real-world contexts, and establish strong relationships with students. The author also highlights the transformative power of advisory programs that foster supportive relationships, celebrate individuality, and provide ongoing guidance.

Leadership emerges as a crucial factor in driving change and creating thriving learning communities. Effective principals are depicted as setting high expectations, empowering teachers, and fostering a shared sense of ownership within the school community.

The chapter then examines the limitations of the current education system and challenges conventional assumptions about learning. Dr. Unger questions the factory-like model of education that prioritizes uniformity and knowledge transmission, advocating instead for a more personalized and experiential approach. He stresses the importance of apprenticeship-style learning, where students work alongside mentors, actively engage in the learning process, and find intrinsic motivation.

In conclusion, the chapter calls for a collaborative effort among educators, parents, policymakers, and communities to redefine the purpose and design of education. It encourages a shift towards innovative models that foster student empowerment, personalized learning experiences, and holistic development. By embracing alternative approaches, nurturing strong relationships, and reevaluating the content and methods of education, we can create transformative learning environments that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Highlights

  • Dr. Unger has been exploring and studying schools that are different from traditional ones in terms of engaging students, fostering their agency, nurturing their identity, and embracing their individuality.

  • The author believes that the current education system, operating within the current paradigm of teaching, learning, and schooling, in many ways is doing more harm than good for students, educators, society, and the world.

  • The design of our education system has a significant impact on the lives of millions of students, educators, families, and our communities across the country.

  • The book aims to pinpoint the central issues in the education system, evidencing how it fails students and communities, and how the education ecosystem could be redesigned in support of agency and possibility for all.

  • The author shares several examples of schools that are doing things differently, such as the Big Picture schools, High Tech High, Iowa Big, CAPS Network programs, and many others where students explore and pursue their interests.

  • Chris shares several personal experiences in his own educational history both as a student and an educational change agent which has had a significant impact on his coming to see the significant failure of our current educational ecosystem.

  • Chris critically examines the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education, emphasizing the need for individual attention, feedback, and authentic, real-world learning experiences.

  • Dr. Unger speaks to the significant influence of standardized testing, rigid curriculum, and the lack of autonomy for teachers to tailor instruction to students' needs.

  • Dr. Unger highlights how societal expectations, historical norms, and resistance to change within the education system are barriers to transformative practices.

  • The text calls for a reimagining of the purpose and means of education, emphasizing the importance of student agency and the need to support students acquisition of valuable future-oriented knowledge and skills.

  • The text explores the concept of apprenticeship and hands-on learning, highlighting the effectiveness of experiential learning and mentorship in developing skills and knowledge.

  • The importance of leadership in driving educational change is emphasized, with examples of principals and administrators who have successfully transformed schools and empowered their communities.

  • Chris lifts up the work of Sir Ken Robinson, who challenges traditional education paradigms and advocates for a shift towards personalized, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences.

  • The flaws of the current education system, such as its focus on content delivery rather than deep understanding and application, are brought to light.

  • The text encourages the exploration of alternative school models and practices that prioritize student interests, autonomy, and active learning.

  • The need for collaboration among stakeholders, including educators, parents, policymakers, and community members, is highlighted in order to drive systemic change in education.

  • The author proposes a new look at what is valuable knowledge and skills for our youth today, questioning the necessity of certain traditional subjects, advocating for a broader, more agency-oriented focus on learning.

In sum, Dr. Unger offers a critique of the current education system and calls for innovative approaches that prioritize student engagement, personalized learning, and a new understanding of educational success.