Shift Ed
A Call to Action for Transforming K–12 Education
"America needs a new educational vision. Shift Ed provides a clear vision that emphasizes the essential ingredients of a 21st-century education based upon creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Houle and Cobb make a great case that nothing less than transformation will be enough."
—Dan Pink, Author
"As an educator, I highly recommend this book on the transformation of K–12 education. Old ways, repeating the past, and no change are hallmarks of a broken system? Shift Ed outlines the case for building a new system of K–12 education."
—Jerry Ice, President and CEO, Graduate School, Washington D.C.
"The strength of this book is the strong case the authors make for change. They point out how our nation is falling behind in the quest for global supremacy and outline the changes needed to correct that problem."
—Randel Beaver, Superintendent, Archer City ISD, TX
A comprehensive guide to transforming American schools
Futurist David Houle and educational strategist Jeff Cobb issue a "call to action" to everyone who is concerned about education in America. The book begins with a helpful background on the roots of American education, the current landscape, and the forces that are driving transformation. This background supports the author's case that reinventing our system is inevitable and we already have the information and capabilities to make the necessary changes. Shift Ed challenges us to ask the right questions, expand our vision, and take action now. The book includes an overview of the educational system and expert opinions on key areas, including:
- Technology and connectivity
- Organizational behavior
- Curriculum
- Learning and the brain
- Infrastructure and the physical plant
Shift Ed is more than a book for educators. Its message is critical for policy makers, school superintendents, education foundation executives, and parents who want to know the facts and be prepared to take the decisive action our children deserve.
Hear what Houle has to say about transformational education:
"Shift Ed’s major strength is awakening Americans, especially the educational community, to the reality that change is here. We must prepare our young scholars for a global society, as opposed to past teaching and learning practices."
“Thanks to David for leading the charge. Shift Ed: A Call for Transformation of K-12 Education is a blueprint for getting it right in education.”
“America needs a new educational vision. Shift Ed provides a clear vision that emphasizes the essential ingredients of a 21st-century education based upon creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Houle and Cobb make a great case that nothing less than transformation will be enough.”
“As an urban educator who is passionate about transformative international education, Shift Ed strikes a deep chord. It is a bold call to action to ensure universal student success in a globalized environment that is always changing.”
"David Houle and Jeff Cobb make a powerful case for a transformative shift in schooling, and explain what such a shift might entail. They persuasively and passionately argue that deep-rooted norms need to be fundamentally rethought in tandem with larger technological and social changes. Their vision of what the next decade might hold and their assertion that student-centered, progressive instruction is the way of the future are sure to spark smart discussion among educators, policymakers, and parents wondering what's next for schooling."
"As an educator, I highly recommend this book on the transformation of K–12 education. Old ways, repeating the past, and no change are hallmarks of a broken system. Shift Ed outlines the case for building a new system of K–12 education."
“Our future rests in the hands of our children, and these hands must be strong to accomplish this great task. Their strength will come from their education but, unfortunately, our education system is failing them. David Houle and Jeff Cobb’s Shift Ed: A Call to Action for Transforming K-12 Education is a powerful voice in the honest conversation that must lead to a solution.”
“Shift Ed challenges your educational mindset without being intimidating. I spent the entire read asking myself, “why not?”
“We can’t educate the leaders of tomorrow with yesterday’s education model. Houle and Cobb offer a much needed, action-oriented, transformative vision for what K-12 education must become. It’s time to stop talking and start doing. Our future depends on it.”
“The strength of this book is the strong case the authors make for change. They point out how our nation is falling behind in the quest for global supremacy and what changes need to be brought about for that problem to be corrected.”