Reinventing Systems for Equity

Abstract

Around the world, nations are grappling with the longstanding inequalities in education and society that were made more visible during the pandemic—along with the increasing educational demands of our fast-changing, knowledge-based world. This article outlines the anatomy of educational inequality and the demands for students to develop “learning ability.” It argues that to address these issues, we must reinvent education systems—often designed around a now antiquated factory model—so that schools can become more student-centered and supportive of whole child development; focused on deeper learning that meets the demands of today's society; culturally and linguistically connected and sustaining; grounded in collaboration among students, staff, families, and communities; and equitable in the opportunities provided and outcomes achieved. It describes policy strategies to accomplish these aims, with a strong emphasis on the changes in educator preparation and in-school supports needed for developing powerful teaching.