Creating schools for the future, not the past for all students

• Published in: Leader to leader Vol. 2012; no. 65; pp. 44 - 49
• Main Author: Senge, Peter M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Francisco, CA Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01-06-2012; Wiley Periodicals Inc
• Subjects: Collaboration; Education; Innovations; Leadership; Public schools; United States > US
• ISSN: 1087-8149; 1531-5355
• DOI: 10.1002/ltl.20035

Senge believes that too many school systems are still operating based on obsolete, industrial‐age thinking. Remaining focused on standardized‐test scores is problematic, because “future‐oriented businesses need people who are self‐directed learners, have strong personal values and a larger sense of responsibility, and can collaborate effectively in teams and larger networks to solve complex problems.” He describes school districts that are meeting this challenge through such strategies as systems thinking, education for sustainability, learner‐centered pedagogy, and building schools as learning communities. Bold leadership is needed from teachers, administrators, principals, parents, school boards, business/civic leaders, and the students themselves.