This book looks back to look ahead. Its purpose is to divine what may happen--as well as what should happen--in the education of children and youth, after thoughtfully reviewing what has happened so far.
The authors, chosen for their expertise in the topics they write about, highlight a few 20th century ideas, events, or developments. Then, after considering the elements of experience that seem most enduring, they try to envision what educators can expect in the years ahead. They address the areas of governance, equity, teaching and teacher development, instruction, curriculum, assessment, the science of learning, technology, and progressive education.
For example, the 21st century will likely see new instructional models that attempt to integrate three areas of knowledge: experimental research on instruction, what is known from cognitive psychology about the nature of learning, and what can be gleaned from the research on brain functioning. Greater depth and less superficial coverage will probably characterize the millennial curriculum. We can expect to see network tools and digital devices that are designed specifically for education through alliances of researchers, practitioners, and commercial partners.
Yearbook Editor Ron Brandt was formerly Executive Editor of Educational Leadership and other ASCD publications. Now an independent author and consultant, he writes a monthly column for the American Association of School Administrators and is currently completing a book on school reform. He is the author of the ASCD book "Powerful Learning."