Seven Topics in Education: A Review of the Literature for School District 112

Changes of every sort pose significant challenges to school districts today. It seems each day we are confronted with a new set of concerns, which force us to ponder again the best approach to schooling. Schools today, for instance, are under pressure from all sides to be fiscally efficient, rigorously accountable for student outcomes, and technologically advanced; while at the same time we demand that those schools be safer, more nurturing and also beautifully designed. These elements need not be mutually exclusive – that is to say – they may co-exist. The challenge for decision makers is to strike that perfect balance of benefits, both short and long term, with costs. This document is aimed at addressing seven topic areas in education. It is hoped that the document will stimulate questions, encourage discussion, and provide some guidance for decision making.