As I read reports of back-to-school efforts during a pandemic, I struggle. I struggle because none of this fits my vision of what society should be like. This is not the education I imagine for children or communities? I retired because of health threats, a desire to spend more time with my parents, and because my vision of schools did not match the plans made by so many decision makers. As I ponder this disatisfaction, I am thinking about how I would recreate schools and society at this time. What would I do?
Good Living
I would begin with thoughts about what makes up good living--what do people need to live well, and how can we make that good living a reality. Rather than try to fit schools into old paradigms, I would essentially build anew.
Earth Friendly
As I build anew, I would begin with thinking about practices that are Earth-friendly by eliminating as much pollution as possible from the plans.
Healthy
Next, I would think about long-term health, and eliminate all the artificial, unhealthy aspects of schools too.
Deep, meaningful education
I would also think about what a deep, meaningful education is, and how we might build an instrastructure to promote that kind of education.
Authentic, caring connections and community
Further, I would think about what it means to build authentic, caring connections and community.
Cost effective
I would think about the monies available and work to spend those dollars in the most effective ways.
Long term success
I would create a statement defining long term success for all involved and the greater community too.
Rebuild
Once I figured out all these elements, I would build anew