Project Info
Project Description
DR. KATHERINE BIHR
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion
at the ASU+GSV Summit, representing TGR Foundation and the
work we do. Speaking to a packed room, our session, Designing
Innovation for Equity, set out to broadly explore equity issues in
relationship to the Innovation Economy-focused redesign of
education systems. Sounds impressive, right?
The session began by asking the audience their thoughts about the
progress and challenges currently being made with respect to
designing and/or reforming educational systems that address
innovation. One gentleman, sitting in the front row, asked, “What’s
taking so long?”
That statement sums up my feelings about the work currently being
done in educational circles. One reason we lag in this innovation
and equity challenge is a sheer lack of action. Educators at all levels
are known for analyzing, discussing, brainstorming and researching,
ad nauseam. What we lack is leadership and direction that
encourages risk taking and change. One that challenges the status
quo, misguided policy and efforts that detract local educators from
making change while the threat of pulled funding looms ominously.
Our education system is troubled, mired in indecisiveness. It lacks
visionary leadership at every level and is devoid of entrepreneurs
who are willing to take a few risks. Why don’t we practice what we
preach? To learn and change we must be willing to make bold steps
to pilot, customize and remove the barriers that exist for both
innovation and equity. It isn’t just about creating opportunity. It is
about developing a system that not only believes that ALL students
can learn, but is created to address the barriers and biases that
exist in our schools and neighborhoods.
But back to the panel discussion. What was highlighted were
programs reaching a few hundred students in a large urban district
inclusive of several hundred thousand students. What was
described is, at best, a promising practice. To me, it is just too small
to make a real difference. Held in the balance are generations of
kids who are being prevented from learning and realizing their
potential.
What’s taking so long? Small thinking, small projects and small
mindedness. Neither innovation nor equity benefits with this
thinking.
https://news.tigerwoods.com/designing-innovation-for-equity-whatstaking-
so-long/
Redefining what it means to be a champion.