Creating the School You Want: Learning @ Tomorrow's Edge

"In Arthur B. Shostak's latest book, Creating the School You Want, we are invited to sit at the kitchen table and talk about the future with this wise and compelling horizon scanner. He invites other futurists to the conversation, and we readers get that special treat of engaging with some of the finest thinkers about our future collected in one publication. We are urged to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and into new territory for educators. We need to get comfortable with shaping our future for our students, for our schools. and for ourselves. Shostak provides a recipe book for doing just that. Bravo. Shostak, for this insightful and captivating work. which encourages us to leap into the future with gusto."uSarah Jerome. superintendent of schools, Arlington Heights, Illinois; past president, American Association of School Administrators

"At a time when our country is questioning the efficacy of the economics of schooling, Shostak brings us an imperative that we cannot dismiss. His collection of contributed chapters bridges the youth culture to a learning culture with a focus on investing in future-driven results. Creativity is the priority in his presentation of the cyber movement, and this book offers concrete examples of where schools, teachers, and students can begin locally to conceptualize the future. This book is a must-read as communities look to make decisions about their schools. Shostak is proactive and thought-provoking. Where his previous book gave us the rationale to shape the future of education, this book challenges us to act and offers everyone who cares about education abundant examples, ideas, and inspiration."uDebra Jackson, superintendent of schools. Highland FallsuFort Montgomery Central School District, New York

"After detailing the long-term inability of American public education to truly change itself, this book offers several practical and inspiring strategies for transforming our schools. The authors give numerous compelling examples of why change is imperative for our students. Just when the reader is overwhelmed by the magnitude of change necessary, they apply the 'trim tabs' guiding educators into a realistic and achievable future. Brilliant!uMary Alice Price, superintendent. Pittsford Central School District. New York. 2009 NYS Superintendent of the Year

"Shostak offers a compelling argument for educational leaders to become intentional about making their organizations 'future-oriented.' His position is clear: If students are to succeed in the future, our learning environment must be future-focused, imaginative in pedagogy, and engage everyone. He and his contributors provide practical steps for those ready to take on the challenge."uDavid J. Breeze, superintendent of schools Northbrook School District 27, Illinois

Arthur B. Shostak taught sociology courses for forty-two years; wrote or edited thirty-three books; consulted with school systems and teacher unions here and abroad: led the oldest city chapter of the World Future Society, developed Internet discussion groups on educational futuristics (Edutopia/FacultyRow); and. in 2006, received from the American Sociological Association the annual Award for a Distinguished Career in Sociological Practice.

Arthur B. Shostak taught sociology courses for forty-two years; wrote or edited thirty-three books; consulted with school systems and teacher unions here and abroad; led the oldest city chapter of the World Future Society; developed Internet discussion groups on educational futuristics (Edutopia/FacultyRow); and in 2006, received from the American Sociological Association the annual Award for a Distinguished Career in Sociological Practice.