Like systems literacy, sustainability has an equally tumultuous past and a multitude of levels of understanding and application. Sterling (2008) writes that:
Unfortunately, the term ‘sustainable education’, with a few welcome exceptions, has often been bundled in by writers as synonymous with ‘sustainability education’, ‘education for sustainability’ and ‘ESD’. These terms represent worthy developments but do not necessarily connote the need for deep change in educational values, assumptions and practices. (p. 88)
These are of course intrinsically linked and interconnected. This transformative paradigm shift in K-12 education is both necessary and possible, not just for better learning, but also for the future of our planet. It is time to enact upon the knowledge, skills and understanding we humans already possess to create the schools and the future we so desire.
For more information please contact mjohnston34@gmail.com
For training, support and to join a network of educators seeking this transformation please visit compassedcuation.org.
References
Aalto University. (2014, December 15). Peter Senge: "Systems Thinking for a Better World" - Aalto Systems Forum 2014 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/0QtQqZ6Q5-o
Bateson, M. C. (1997). Understanding natural systems. In C. Zelov & P. Cousineau (Eds.), Design outlaws on the ecological frontier. United States: Knossus.
Cabrera, D., & Cabrera, L. (2015). Systems thinking made simple: New hope for solving wicked problems. Ithica, NY: Odyssean.
Chouinard, Y., & Stanley, V. (2012). The responsible company. Ventura, CA: Patagonia Books.
Orr, D. W. (1994). Earth in mind: On education, environment, and the human prospect. Washington, DC: Island Press.
Robinson, K., & Aronica, L. (2015).
Creative schools: The grassroots revolution that's transforming education. New York: Viking.
Schumaker, E. F. (1997). This I believe and other essays. Dartington, UK: Green Books.
Sterling, S. (2008, Spring). Sustainable education - towards a deep learning response to unsustainability. Policy & Practice - A Development Education Review, 6, 63-68.
Stroh, D. P. (2015). Systems thinking for social change: A practical guide to solving complex problems, avoiding unintended consequences, and achieving lasting results. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green.
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