(Re)Creating School for Every Child with Michael Horn

Systemic Issues

Michael Horn, an education expert, discusses the systemic issues plaguing the current educational system. He argues that schools need to do more than just teach academic skills; they must integrate into various aspects of students' lives, especially for those lacking resources at home 1. Horn emphasizes that the traditional schooling model has been ineffective for many families, not just during COVID-19 but for a long time 2.

Schooling wasn't just broken during COVID. It hasn't been working for the majority of families for a long time.

--- Michael Horn

Emily Oster agrees, noting that traditional schools often fail in teaching basic skills like reading, which parents might be able to do better themselves 1.

   

Radical Changes

Horn proposes radical changes to the educational system, advocating for customization to meet diverse student needs. He suggests that schools should not try to be all things to all people but instead focus on providing specific services that match community priorities 3. This approach includes creating micro schools within larger schools to offer tailored educational experiences 4.

It's not saying that it's the school's core competency or that they need to do every element of this, but more that they become a hub for these different services.

--- Michael Horn

Oster highlights the importance of understanding what schools provide that parents cannot, advocating for a more deliberate approach to education that complements home life 5.