A take away . . .

This evening a group from our system was able to attend the E3 Washington evening with Peter Senge.  It almost didn't happen due to the extremely cold weather in Boston where he is on staff at MIT.  It seems that the plane's toilet froze up cancelling his original flight.  He was able to get the last seat on an over booked flight that got him here six hours later, but still in time to share his experience and expertise with us.

As always when I have the opportunity to be with Peter, I am impressed with his knowledge and experiences throughout the world.  Since the focus of E3 is on the economy, environment, and education Peter focused on these as well.  His passion for the environment and public education was evident in his words and the conviction that comes through as he shares his thinking and experiences.

One theme from this evening that resonated with me was that we are preparing our young people for a world that none of us has experienced and have no way of predicting out 30 to 50 years.  Given that, what is important for them to know and be able to do?  We are also leaving young people with issues that are global in nature.  Though many in our country would like us to believe that the world still revolves around us, that is no longer the case and will continue to be so into the future.  Young people need to know that what happens here is felt round the world and that resolution to the issues they are inheriting will require interdependence that we have not yet experienced.  I was both energized and reflective as I listened and most importantly thankful that I have the opportunity to be part of this most important work.

Tomorrow I have the honor for a very short period of time of hosting Peter in our system.  Unfortunately, our students will be leaving as we arrive, but he will have the opportunity to meet with teachers and administrators.