a triarchy press publication
'Transformative Innovation in Education: a playbook for pragmatic visionaries'
by Graham Leicester, Keir Bloomer and Denis Stewart
Publication Date: 14 May 2009
No. of Pages: 52
Book type: Paperback or PDF
Print ISBN: 978-0-9557681-9-4
PDF ISBN: 978-0-9562631-2-4
Price: £10.00 or £3.99 for the PDF
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Crisis and opportunity in education
Conflict over school education in England is in the news again. Rows over standard attainment tests and the national curriculum consume precious energy and attention. They hardly lead the way to an education system that genuinely serves both students and the complex and rapidly changing society in which they are growing up. Good leadership - never mind visionary leadership - seems sorely lacking.
In contrast, in Scotland, a visionary movement towards educational transformation is under way, and supported at the highest level. Scottish Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop has called for 'transformational change in Scottish education' and her words are underpinned by 'A Curriculum for Excellence' (CfE) which lays out Scottish governmental policy in this direction.
Looking at educational systems around the world, such a transformation towards excellence seems unlikely. The best that can be achieved appears to be incremental improvements in statistics on wider participation and exam scores. But we need to do better. As Karl Fisch put it in his famous 'shift happens' presentation: 'We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist, using technologies that have not been invented, in order to solve problems we don't even know are problems yet.' So we can't just extrapolate the existing system and expect it to reach these needs.
Transformative Innovation in Education: a playbook for pragmatic visionaries is a short book containing insights, tools, suggestions and recommendations on how to meet these future needs. It is based on the IFF's work with educational leaders in Scotland over the last two years. Their aim was to take the CfE beyond a general statement of good intent and turn it into a practical instrument for educational transformation. The book shows how their aim is now becoming reality.
What's in the book
The authors explain how the push for 'incremental improvement' has crowded out space for anything more visionary and far-sighted. They provide practical advice, frameworks and worked examples of how to escape the incremental trap: the 'three horizons' framework for long term change as well as templates for resolving dilemmas and conflicts and examples of successful applications. They end by describing six features needed to ensure CfE becomes a workable policy framework for transformational change in education around the world, not just in Scotland.
What is exciting teachers and educational leaders about the approach described in Transformative Innovation in Education is the considerable space it reveals for creative resolution of the apparently intractable conflict between freedom and regulation. There is indeed a conflict zone, but it is possible to move beyond it: 'if you get to the resolution space you soar like an eagle'.
Transformative Innovation in Education: a playbook for pragmatic visionaries is all the title suggests. The book is written for practical innovators - teachers, school leaders and policy makers. It explains the key ideas clearly and simply and makes pragmatic proposals for implementing them. It addresses difficult issues with a remarkable lightness of touch. The book is an essential companion to the 3 Horizons of Education Toolkit which will soon be available. It is attractively illustrated in full colour.
About the Authors
Graham Leicester is Director of International Futures Forum. He is a former member of HM Diplomatic Service and has subsequently developed a special interest and wide experience in the areas of governance, innovation, education and the arts.
Keir Bloomer has been a Director of Education and Chief Executive of a local authority. He is now an educational consultant and chair of the Tapestry Partnership.
Denis Stewart is a Director of CELT Associates, contributing to policy development and professional learning related to key aspects of young people's education including values and purposes; re-visioning for the future of education; innovation; ethical and effective leadership. Initially a science teacher in Northern Ireland, he moved into curriculum development in science education in Northern Ireland, Wales and England and has since held executive leadership positions in national curriculum agencies.
About International Futures Forum
International Futures Forum (IFF) is a non-profit organisation established to support a transformative response to complex and confounding challenges and to restore the capacity for effective action in today's powerful times.
At the heart of IFF is a deeply informed inter-disciplinary and international network of individuals from a range of backgrounds covering a wide range of diverse perspectives, countries and disciplines. The group meets as a learning community as often as possible, including in plenary session. And it seeks to apply its learning in practice. IFF takes on complex, messy, seemingly intractable issues - notably in the arenas of health, learning, governance and enterprise - where paradox, ambiguity and complexity characterise the landscape, where rapid change means yesterday's solution no longer works, where long term needs require a long term logic and where only genuine innovation has any chance of success.
Reviews
Head to Head Magazine - Dec 09
From the Association of Heads and Deputes Scotland (AHDS)
Review of: Transformative Innovation in Education - a playbook for pragmatic visionaries by Graham Leicester, Keir Bloomer and Dennis Stewart Pub: Triarchy Press Ltd
"Recommendation: Take a little time to read it. It's really very important. This small perfectly formed book with its heavy duty, and intriguing title, is a must for anyone who would appreciate a model in which to develop understandings for the future of education. The writers take you through a six point plan for pragmatic visionaries and provide 5 sections of argument for transformational change in education.
You'll recognise the sayings of Fischbowl in such quotes as. "We are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist using technologies that have not been invented... "and you already know that there are powerful systems at play which tie us into measurement and comparison when we should be reaching for the sky. However, at this time, when we need to develop ideas then the 3 Horizons model is a fascinating beginning for all. It provides a structure in which to explore the future of education and offers, "...short term encouragement and long term effectiveness..." which prevents disappointment and a lack of focus on long term goals..
Horizon 1 is where we are now, managing and maintaining the system, improving performance and maximising its potential.
Horizon 2 is entrepreneurial and sees and grasps opportunity.
Horizon 3 is visionary and aspirational and is about standing for something you know is right whatever the world thinks of you.
The Horizons are represented graphically and the writers explore how the model may be used to develop well thought out and reasonable ideas for the pathway ahead.
Not only is this model explained well but a kit has been produced to enable you to have a structured conversation around the 3 horizons framework.
And then there's the IFF an impressive organisation, and the ostrich and the eagle, and discomfort and dilemmas. But fear not, you'll be inspired, and the ideas in this book line up oh so beautifully with Curriculum for Excellence."
Comments from the Association of Headteachers & Deputes in Scotland (www.ahds.org.uk)
"I loved the book, thought it was well written and I totally agreed with all that was in it. If people could/would take time to read the argument for a Curriculum for Excellence as a transformative innovation then all would be well!"
"...the book is pretty fantastic and should be compulsory reading for anyone who wishes to know about the why of the Curriculum for Excellence. First time I've heard of the IFF (International Futures Forum) and it's really interesting stuff - and the info in the book is also useful - there are web connections for follow up. I've sent for the 3 horizons Kit and will be looking at Fischbowl etc.... Perhaps this booklet will now share what should have been shared a long time ago. Teachers are more likely to take things on board if you show them the theory / reasons / vision."
