Is our education system serving its purpose? In the Essentials class on Education, we were asked to reflect on the “purpose of education”. Is the system positioned to equip students with tools and skills that align with the purpose? What lasting impacts do these tools have when students become adults? Is imparting basic knowledge and skills and respect for authority enough?

The reflections of the 3 students during the class were revealing in the context of these questions. We give so little credit to the young minds’ ability to think deeply, understand nuance, and express what they want. They don’t lack in knowledge and information, but they desperately want resources that allow them to learn from each other. They want policies to reflect equity of opportunity to benefit everyone in the long term; they want educational funding and resources to be equitably distributed. They value teachers who give them freedom and autonomy to develop their own value systems and allow them to work collaboratively.

From this discussion, it became clear that students are yearning for more from their schools. They are eager for education inside and outside of the classroom; they are looking for overhauls in the system that reflect a growing reckoning with inequality. As we become increasingly aware of structural and social power imbalances in our local and national communities, we cannot, in good conscience, continue to remain rigid and inflexible with what and how students learn.

Our society continues to evolve; COVID has changed how we learn and communicate. Over just two years, economics, politics, and our understanding of our positions in the social contract have changed dramatically. In a world so dynamic, the purpose and system of education cannot stay static as it has been for decades. Changes to the system itself will allow students to think critically, make decisions empathetically, be open to diverse ideas and perspectives, and apply their learnings to discover new knowledge that benefits everyone.

The core message of the class was to listen to the students. This idea perfectly aligns with the concept of centering those who are most impacted in any decision we make. The students are the ones navigating this dynamic reality of fast paced change, they have access to information and knowledge, and they have a profoundly collaborative, creative, and fresh perspective.
What can we do? The example of a school board member taking action to improve students’ access to transportation was illustrative of how we can, as adults, by listening to students, work on smaller-scale solutions to issues that impact their educational experience.

As parents, educators, and policy makers, our role is to rewrite and continue to refresh the purpose of education from the lens of those who are most impacted – the students, living and learning in a dynamically changing society. Aligning with that purpose and creating building blocks for successful implementation would be key for a model where future generations are well-poised to make positive changes that benefit us as a society.

Anupa is an immigrant, first generation American, and brings with her a diversity of education and experience. She currently serves as the Interim Assistant Director at Watershed Protection Department at the City of Austin. Anupa’s love for public service emerged as she became integrated into the City of Austin’s Live Tobacco Free campaign. While she has worked in the field of finance, investments, and law, she believes her true passion is to build a culture of service. As the Chair of the City’s Asian
American Employee Network, she works to provide career development opportunities to the members while developing solidarity and ally ship with other communities of color. Anupa is also an elected member of the City’s Deferred Compensation Committee, where one of the initiatives she is championing is to provide financial literacy and wellness support to over 12,000 city employees. Anupa is proud to call Austin her home where she has lived for 15 years with her husband and two children. Connect with me on LinkedIn

Words expressed in this blog post do not belong to Leadership Austin. These are the experiences and thoughts of a member of the Essential 43 cohort, where community leaders of diverse backgrounds explore difficult issues impacting our region.

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