My biggest takeaway from our discussions on educational systems is that we all face similar problems no matter what level of education we currently find ourselves embedded in. From my peers that I spoke with, it seemed that we all are, in some way or another, beleaguered by the current process of being limited by systems that are in place based upon top-down decision-making. These systems are often the technology support systems that are supposed to make our job more accessible but are often limited in their ability to support learning or the training users receive to effectively use these systems. Most of us feel in some way powerless to enact changes on these systems because our organizations’ are locked in by contracts, and we are told that these are the systems we have to use. Looking into the process as a whole, we all agreed that better communication between the users and decision-makers could help alleviate some of these constraints, but that led us to look into the other factors that influenced why these decisions were made in the first place. Whether we are directed by legislative curriculum standards, regulatory standards, or organizational goals, there is often an underlying element that has led the decision-makers to have a preference in mind, and increased communication may or may not be able to affect these predeterminations. I think we all felt a little disheartened when looking at the bigger picture of how to enact systemic change in our current systems and began to recognize all of the forces in play that would need to change in order for real change to be enacted. While we may have been disheartened, I don’t think any of us lost hope, as that is the basis for most of us being in the program, to begin with. I believe that we just have a clearer picture of all of the elements that make up the systems we all find ourselves in. Ideally, it would be nice if there was a reset button hidden somewhere that we could press and then be able to gather all of the stakeholders to design more effective and efficient systems.

As the conversations went on and we gathered as a whole group, I found myself wanting to learn more about the dark actors in play pushing the growing narrative against public education. As I look back on my experience as a product of public education, I remember hearing some hard truths and realizing the effect of growing up in a small town on me as I went off to college and became more aware of how truly diverse we all are. In exploring some of the articles that were shared as part of our conversations, it is unnerving to see the effect that some people with money have had on our education system in being able to play off of the fears of people to push back against being able to provide students a well-rounded education. While I explored the resources that were shared with me, I can say that I have not taken the investigation any further. In reflecting on my motivations, as it is an area that will truly affect us all no matter what area of learning we work in, I think that it is that disheartened feeling of wanting to see change but not really having a clear path to enact meaningful change. It is an area where I recognize that I must do better in finding meaningful ways to communicate that broadening views and understanding will help us all as we weather the current attack on education. Part of that is continuing to better understand systems and which elements can lead to the biggest impact to create change. I know I don’t have the right answer now, but through investigation and exploration, I hope to find a path that will allow both my voice and my peers’ voices to be heard.