From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child - Hardcover

by Michael B. Horn (Author)

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.

Front Jacket

As COVID shattered the routines and lives of students, parents, and educators, it also revealed how outdated schools are and the price of remaining rooted in structures and processes designed for a different age.

In From Reopen to Reinvent, veteran education strategist Michael B. Horn delivers an exceptional and insightful call to action for education professionals and administrators everywhere. The author urges educators to overthrow the existing system--which fails many of its students--and replace it with one that addresses many of the persistent challenges faced by the education system.

Applying illuminating and productive frameworks--including threat rigidity, "Begin with the End," tools of cooperation, and discovery-driven planning--to the schooling and education context, the book offers prescriptive and holistic approaches to the purpose of education and the effective use of technology. It is a comprehensive design playbook and process written specifically for schooling communities seeking modern solutions to perennial problems.

Readers will discover a set of processes and ideals for schools seeking to implement new strategies for dealing with modern challenges and a way to reframe threats as opportunities to encourage the development of new solutions.

From Reopen to Reinvent provides a practical toolbox for K-12 educators, parents, and school board members to disrupt the educational process and introduce new ways of dealing with old problems. It also belongs in the libraries of professionals working in education-related nonprofits and state education agencies interested in modernizing the increasingly antiquated education system.

Back Jacket

PRAISE FOR FROM REOPEN TO REINVENT

"Michael has been at the forefront of reimagining education for over 15 years. His work has inspired me and continues to be a beacon toward which we seek to design our solutions and transform learning worldwide. This book continues that tradition by pointing in a clear direction that all schools should strive to meet to unleash the talents of each and every learner."

--SAL KHAN, Founder of Khan Academy

"From Reopen to Reinvent offers a blueprint both for what schools should be and a set of steps to help educators start moving in that direction to better support each and every student. At a time when districts could easily freeze in the face of challenges from all directions, the wisdom in the book will help them carve out pathways to move forward and prioritize the success of each child and family."

--ARNE DUNCAN, former U.S. Secretary of Education

"The pandemic exposed serious, long-term problems in K-12 education and identified significant educational achievement gaps across this country. If ever there was a time to hold ourselves accountable for student performance and consider new strategies, it is now. As Michael Horn's book, From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)creating School for Every Child, reveals, our education system must consider new strategies that ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and is prepared for both work and life in the 21st century."

--MARGARET SPELLINGS, former U.S. Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush and president and CEO of Texas 2036

"In this book, Michael Horn has beautifully articulated a profound, insightful examination of the Future of Learning and call-to-action for us all. He truly raises the bar of what education should look like in a post pandemic world. Bravo!"

--PHYLLIS LOCKETT, CEO, LEAP Innovations

"Michael Horn's call to recreate schools so that they work for every child is particularly timely and important for our nation. Horn provides a clear pathway and action plan for school leaders, teachers and parents to envision a different future--one that really honors and enables the individual talents and dreams of each child. A thought-provoking read with great real life examples, it should be essential reading for school leaders, teachers, parents, policymakers and others who want to step up and create more opportunities for students and schools to thrive."

--KEVIN HALL, CEO of the Charter School Growth Fund

Author Biography

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.