A practical blueprint to rebuilding an education system that is no longer working for its students
In From Reopen to Reinvent, distinguished education strategist Michael B. Horn delivers a provocative and eye-opening call to action for the overthrow of an education system that is not working well for any of its students. Grounded in what educators should build in its place to address the challenges that stem from widespread unmet learning needs, the book walks readers through the design of a better path forward.
Using time-tested leadership and innovation frameworks like Jobs to Be Done, “Begin with the End,” tools of cooperation, threat-rigidity, and discovery-driven planning, From Reopen to Reinvent offers a prescriptive and holistic approach to the purpose of schooling, the importance of focusing on mastery for each student, and the ideal use of technology. It also provides readers with:
- A set of processes and ideals that schools should implement to deal with the challenges they presently face
- A way to transform threats into opportunities using threat-rigidity research
- A discussion of how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that schools are not as flexible and equitable as we need them to be
Perfect for K-12 educators and parents and school board members involved in the school community, From Reopen to Reinvent is also an essential resource for professionals working in education-related non-profits and state education agencies.
MICHAEL B. HORN strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions and fulfill their potential through his writing, speaking, and work with a portfolio of education organizations. He is the author of many books, including the award-winning Disrupting Class, Blended, and Choosing College and is the co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute.
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Foreword
Introduction
The School System Isn’t Optimized for Anyone
A Better Way Forward
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
The Story of Jeremy and Julia
Chapter 1: From Threat to Opportunity
Threat Rigidity
Autonomy
The Toyota Prius
Southern New Hampshire University
What This Could Look Like in K–12 Schools
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 2: Begin with the End: What’s the Purpose of Schooling?
A Brief History of the Purpose of Schooling
The Importance of Beginning with the End
An Opportunity to Clarify Purpose
A Starting Point for the Purpose Conversation
Endnotes
Chapter 3: The Scope of Schools: How Do We Accomplish A School’s Purpose?
Schools’ Scope
A Better Way Forward: The Theory of Interdependence and Modularity
Applying the Theory to Schools
Six Domains to Consider in Your School’s Scope
Personalizing This Approach in My Community
Remaining Concerns
The Future of Schooling
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 4: Student Experience: Lose Learning Loss
What Do Students Want?
Traditional Schools Fall Short
Lose Learning Loss
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 5: Student Experience: Guarantee Mastery
A Learning Cycle Built on Success
How Toyota Illustrates the Power of Guaranteed Mastery
Time-Bound vs. Guaranteed Learning
Don’t Just Change Grading When Implementing Mastery-Based Learning
Answers to Four Criticisms of Mastery Learning
Having Fun with Friends
From Zero Sum to Positive Sum
Success and Fun with Friends in Action
Results
Implementation of Pods and Microschools
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 6: T in Teachers Is for Team
Moving Past Normal
The Best Use of Face-to-Face Time
No Teacher Should Do All of These Activities
Team-Based Co-Teaching
Unbundling to Take Things Off Teachers’ Plates
Teacher Motivation
Will Teachers Embrace the Shift?
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 7: The Parent Experience
Understanding Parents’ Quest for Progress
Implementing Change
Is Anything Universal?
Kano Model
Flexibility and Unbundling
The Stress of Schooling for Parents
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 8: The Technology
The Bare Minimum
How to Ensure Adequate Technology for All Students
How to Use Digital Learning Well
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 9: Culture
What Is Culture?
How to Create a Strong Culture
The Power of Great Culture
The Risks of Getting Culture Wrong
Reinventing Culture
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 10: Test Your Assumptions and Learn
Will Your Plans to Reinvent Schooling “Work”?
A Less Risky Path That Embraces Innovation
The Standard Planning Process
What Is Discovery-Driven Planning?
Start with the Outcomes
Create an Assumptions Checklist
Rank Your Assumptions
Implement a Plan—to Learn More
Decide On Next Steps
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Chapter 11: Implementing Change When People Don’t Always Agree
Understanding the Level of Agreement
Leadership Tools
Management Tools
Culture Tools
Power Tools
Tool Of Separation
Mechanisms of Movement
The Power of Education
Key Takeaways
Endnotes
Conclusion
Resolving the Paradox
Endnotes
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