The current education system is a dire sad long term problem that is writing off a large portion of society. I believe something more sensitive and human can grow out of it.
Ken Robinson talks super lucidly about the destruction of creativity in children and the wider problems in schooling. That's great and the problem is now quite well defined. But we now need enlightened individuals to step up with solutions. We need to recognise it's the core problem humanity faces. We can't solve hard problems like energy and environmental degradation without first tackling the social problems perpetuated by Victorian schooling.
Someone with a bunch of cash needs to step up and help get the ball rolling.
- Define the desired outcome (ie. providing space and nurturing for the expression of individual talent)
- Pick the best parts of the existing schooling methods/models (Victorian / Steiner / Montessori / Summerhill / Home Schooling)
- Roll it out. Iterate. Recognise that educational needs are unique and change constantly.
- People will come. I'm a parent of three kids. Almost all our friends (especially teachers!) would run at something - if relatively large scale and supported.
Contact me if interested - maybe it's a startup! I'm really surprised there isn't more concerted action in this space.