Preparing Children for an Uncertain Future

Doug Selwyn, editor of At the Center of All Possibilities: Transforming Education for Our Children’s Future, explores the question “What education do our children need to be best prepared for their unpredictable future?” Educating our young is one of the primary responsibilities of any society so that they are ready and able to meet the (by definition) unpredictable future they are growing into, ready to step up as the actors and decision-makers in their communities as the current elder generation ages out of those roles. As we look at public education across the nation it is clear that it is failing—by almost any measure—as we refuse to face and act on crisis after crisis, be it climate or pandemic, and exhibit a willingness to leave critical thinking at the door.

This workshop begins with a summary of Selwyn’s research with educators and activists around the country regarding the question; how can we help our young people learn what they need to know and be able to do if they are to survive and thrive, as individuals, in communities, and on a healthy planet? Following presentation of the research, participants will together explore the central and strategize around local, state and national solutions. Free and open to the public, but RSVP is requested at https://www.gcc.mass.edu/events/preparing-children-for-an-uncertain-future/.