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Whole-Child Development, Learning, and Thriving

A Dynamic Systems Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 April 2021

Pamela Cantor
Affiliation:
Turnaround for Children
Richard M. Lerner
Affiliation:
Tufts University, Massachusetts
Karen J. Pittman
Affiliation:
The Forum for Youth Investment
Paul A. Chase
Affiliation:
Tufts University, Massachusetts
Nora Gomperts
Affiliation:
Turnaround for Children

Summary

We discuss whole-child development, learning, and thriving through a dynamic systems theory lens that focuses on the United States and includes an analysis of historical challenges in the American public education system, including inequitable resources, opportunities, and outcomes. To transform US education systems, developmental and learning scientists, educators, policymakers, parents, and communities must apply the knowledge they have today to 1. challenge the assumptions and goals that drove the design of the current US education system, 2. articulate a revised, comprehensive definition of whole-child development, learning, and thriving that accepts rather than simplifies how human beings develop, 3. create a profound paradigm shift in how the purpose of education is described in the context of social, cultural, and political forces, including the impacts of race, privilege, and bias and 4. describe a new dynamic 'language' for measurement of both the academic competencies and the full set of 21st century skills.
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