Journal 4

I attended the first keynote presentation, Restructuring for Caring and Effective Education: The Possible Futures of Education by Richard A. Villa. As part of his presentation Mr. Villa addresses five questions to help determine the possible futures of education. His first question is what is the destination of education. After several answers from the crowd Mr. Villa explains that the “goal of education is the same for all children” and can be summed up in the Circle of Courage. This circle includes generosity, belonging, mastery, and independence.

The second question is who has been invited on the journey. He explains that while many have had to fight for equality in education and have won, some still continue to fight. Question three dealt with the issue of Equity vs. Excellence. He first discusses the advantages and disadvantages of excellence without equity. One advantage is the allocation of resources to “leaders of tomorrow” as opposed to others who may not benefit as much from it. One disadvantage is that this is a simplistic model that views diversity as a problem. He then discusses the advantages and disadvantages of equity without excellence. An advantage is that everyone wins, but a disadvantage is that motivation is lost and mediocrity is accepted. With this, Mr. Villa explains that a mixture of excellence and equality is needed. This “equalence” in education would level the playing field and allow for more collaboration, communication, creativity, and even fun.

The third question is how will we get there. To manage and institutionalize change would take 5 to 7 years and would require vision, skills, incentives, resources, and an action plan. Question five refers to how we will know if we’ve arrived. This would be reflected in a new culture of artistry, care, differentiation, empowerment, equalence, self-determination, and so forth. While we do not have enough time and do not always know how to utilize the time we have, students must act as advocates, decision-makers, co-teachers, and instructors to enable this change and help create such cultures in our society.

Question 1: How will the ideas presented help me as a future educator?

While I do not yet understand the bureaucracy that is involved in making such change happen, this presentation has introduced me to some of the possible futures of education and how to achieve such futures. I understand that simplistic ideals and quick changes are not the way to reach equalence in education. Instead, I will need to dedicate myself as lifetime advocate.

Question 2: Who has the power to implement such changes in our education system?

While I would like to say that teachers hold the power to make these changes happen, the resources and incentives that are needed to make such changes come from the government. And with the always-threatening budget cuts, these continue to be obstacles that prevent changes from happening.