Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That's Transforming Education

Outstanding book. As a mother of 2 young girls in the South Bay of Los Angeles CA, I find myself having a knowing-ness in my soul that my kids needs are not being met to 100% of my satisfaction in the current school model. Over the course of time, I extracted this gut feeling and pulled it out of myself and my kids, then wrote it into words, frustrations, creations and statistics. I allowed myself to really get in touch with what is going on inside my child and in myself without judgement. It then became clear over the course of time that I wanted more for my amazing little creative people and that I was the one to make that MORE happen. I am so thankful for Sir Ken and all of his hard work he has done over many years. He was able to pour all of that hard work into this book. This book provides so many answers to the heart tugging questions that were on my mind, and gave me a very clear vision as to what he values for education. They are things that were also were very close to what I valued for my girls. He then takes these values and gives examples of how to implement them right where you are at. Its not just theory, its very practical steps on how to be a better teacher, parent and person in life. This book is far beyond how to educate better, its how to live a better life. I did not get passed the introduction without a highlighter. Ken writes: "As I see it, the aims of education are to enable students to understand the world around them and the talents within them so that they can become better fulfilled individuals and active, compassionate citizens." In my journey of empowering my kids to be the best version of themselves, I find this book invaluable for me to be very proactive in creating a new space for them to learn and grow. Thank you! It was a pleasure to meet you as well!! CLD

This is a good read. It is written in a plain language and argues for modernity, critical thinking, innovation and utilization of already available programs of education developed by great effective teachers and wonderful thinkers. Other books argue for the strength in various subjects, especially in math and science, and for a unified curriculum. "No child left behind" is the program initiated and championed by President George W Bush and "Race to the Top" is the alternate program advocated by President Obama and his lieutenants. Defendants of "common core". and those against it are also busy trying to convince us of the values of having a structured or a free for all program of education. I don't see the problem of lack of quality education in America as an either or, but as a both. We need a strong common foundation delivered in ALL schools in our mobile society. In addition, Kids can excel according to their God given talents and think critically and innovate on top of that. They have freedoms to read and explore new avenues. We don't have to be a rigid South Korea of achievable but unhappy kids nor a completely free souls like in Norway.

I read this book as part of my curriculum course (I'm enrolled in a Masters program for educational leadership). What I loved: Ken's message is profound and inspirational. His main point is that the current structure of the education system does not support students' natural ability to learn in creative ways. He is against the standards movement and standardized testing because it narrows the curriculum and stifles creativity. He believes that children should learn the content that is most relevant to them, in the pedagogical style that best suits them, and at the pace that is most appropriate for them. My favorite part of the book is the criticism of the PISA results (the global standardized assessment) that are often used by politicians to scare us. What I didn't like: The book relies heavily on the use of example schools that do not face the same restrictions that typical public schools are confronted with. Bottom Line: This book is a must-read. Hopefully this book can increase the support for the creative schools movement and policymakers can begin to see that we are headed in the wrong direction.

Note: Ken Robinson again collaborated with Lou Aronica on this book but the voice is his. In a perfect world, schools would be communities in which shared learning thrives. Teachers are students and students are teachers. School board members, the administrative staff, parents, and other family members support and nourish shared learning in ways and to an extent appropriate to the given circumstances. Knowledge is shared, skills are developed, and personal growth accelerates naturally. In a perfect world…. If you are among the millions who have seen Ken Robinson’s TED program, you already know what he thinks about creative learning in today’s schools. He’s all for it but the sad reality is that, not despite but because of a relentless emphasis on raising standards through more competition and accountability, there is little – if any – creative learning by anyone in most schools today. According to Robinson, this dangerous myth “is one of the main reasons why so many reform efforts do not work. On the contrary, they often compound the very problems they claim to be solving. They include the alarming rates of nongraduation from schools and colleges, the levels of stress and depression – even suicide – among students and their teachers, the falling value of as university degree, the rocketing costs of getting one, and the rising levels of unemployment among graduates and non graduates alike.” The “revolution” to which this book’s subtitle refers is based on specific principles that Robinson thoroughly examines. They share so much in common with values affirmed by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his classic essay “Self-Reliance.” Both have a steadfast faith in educational purposes that are personal, cultural, social, and economic. As Robinson sees it, “the aims of education are [begin italics] to enable students to understand the world around them and the talents they have within them so that they can become fulfilled individuals and active, compassionate citizens [end italics].” Ken Robinson offers concrete, real-world evidence of schools that are trying to offer the kind of rigorous, personalized, and engaged education that everyone needs but that so many have too long been denied. “They are part of a long revolution. This time it has to be for everyone, not for a select few. The stakes have never been higher, and the outcomes could hardly matter more.” Presumably he agrees with me, however, that if the admirable objectives he envisions are to be achieved “for everyone,” progress toward that achievement must be measured in terms of “baby steps” and “small victories” that generate a momentum that – over time – simply cannot be denied or compromised.

Our Schools are Broken!!! I know, I taught for 30 yrs. and you can test and test and produce nothing! This is a book that is a quick read for those of us who have used, DAP, Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum better known as hands on learning. Children learn through structured play and those mid level and high school level impoverished, drop outs can stay in school and love it! Ken Robinson's approach to teaching and how all students learn better is documented and followed up with how and why this works! You'll be wanting to call your Senators, Governors and Representatives demanding they stop with Standardized Testing, some have 14 tests a year!! Drop those Core Concepts, they make absolutely no sense at all. A great read for Great Teachers who know there has to be a better way to teach kids and there is??? You'll find it right here in this book!

Ken Robinson has long been one of the leading speakers on reinventing education for today's innovation economy. He just has a way of summarizing key points and perspectives in memorable and even entertaining ways. I must say that much of his earlier talks and books, to me, have been very enlightened on the problem but less so on the solution. This book still reflects his typical insightful analysis, but it goes much further in highlighting at least the outlines and broad principles of what the reinvented system should look like. If you are looking for a straightforward cookbook, this is probably not it -- and, by the way, you will probably never achieve the new education in cookbook format. However, if you are looking for an insightful summary of key understandings that should shape your reinvention of education, this book is well worth reading and adding to your perspective. Probably the best of Robinson to date.

I learned a lot by reading this book in class.

Creative Schools is a follow-up and response to Ken Robinson's 2006 TED Talk. This is an informative and engaging read for educators, parents, and policymakers alike! Ken’s whit and honesty help to convey a critical topic in this easy read. In his book, Ken works to trace the history of the issues currently facing education systems today. As an educator, I especially appreciated his review of the multitude of factors influencing education today, beyond the standards-based reform movement. Ken establishes clear purposes for change in education, and a means to enact that change. One important takeaway from his book was the recognition that teachers are not alone in their responsibility for what happens in the classroom. Policymakers and principals alike play a vital role in improving and making a change. “There’s a difference between leadership and management. Leadership is about vision; management is about implementation. Both are essential” (186). Robinson does not suggest this change is quick or easy; but, does challenge all participants to enact small changes which can result in a great movement by all educators together.