Rapidly changing social, economic, and policy factors have altered the context and nature of education reform, creating new opportunities for change.
“Given today’s relatively open education reform landscape, we think it vital that changemakers consider how to seize this moment of opportunity to promote equity and ensure that the system can support individuals and society in preparing for a complex future,” said Katherine Prince, KnowledgeWorks vice president of strategic foresight.
The paper presents four possible scenarios for the future of education changemaking. Set in 2028, the four scenarios are introduced and then explored in further detail throughout the paper:
- Patchwork Solutions: Educators and changemakers are implementing a wide array of solutions, potentially leading to a fragmented landscape of reform.
- Shooting for the Moon: Education organizations and influencers are challenged to work collaboratively to make big, bold change at the state level.
- By the People, for the People: A shift toward community leadership means a surge of grassroots education changemaking efforts that involve students and others who are often excluded from decision-making processes.
- On Our Own: Communities look to find creative solutions to maintain and improve their areas’ public education systems on shoestring budgets and without significant support from other sectors.
The scenarios are meant to aid changemakers and stakeholders in considering strategic efforts related to their and others’ approaches.
“We hope this paper gives stakeholders the opportunity to take a step back and examine their values and beliefs about what types of education reform they want to see and engage in, given the current trajectory and the possibility of change,” said Katie King, strategic foresight engagement lead for KnowledgeWorks.
