Thoughts on a holistic educational policy

Abstract

This article calls for a holistic approach to educational policy and argues that it should include the activities offered in out-of-school and leisure programs, not only school. The author was inspired when reading the book Leading educational change: Global issues, challenges and lessons on whole system reform, published by Teachers College Press in 2013. That book discusses important themes of educational policy, such as international comparisons, transmittance and use of knowledge, professionalism, quality and evaluation in education, and the development of learning communities. The author connects the themes of the book with Icelandic critiques of educational policy. For years Icelandic philosophers have warned against the prevalance of instrumental thought in education. The Ministry of Education introduced a new educational policy in 2011, with the main aim of responding to social as well as individual needs; still, concerns are raised about undue focus on instrumentalism and neo-liberalism in educational policy. The six pillars of education?sustainability, literacy, equality, democracy and human rights, creativity, and health and welfare?seem to have had the positive consequence of encouraging reflection on and further development of school programs, as well as integration in school. Nevertheless, the author finds that comprehensive research on the implementation of educational policy is lacking. Bringing policy to life is a complicated process which involves participants from different spheres of society, not only school teachers, but educational professionals, parents, administrators and last, but not least, students. It is of crucial importance to increase collaboration between professionals in education and to ensure that the voices of students and their parents are taken into account to a much greater extend than is now the case. The author calls for a thorough discussion on what should be the main aims of education. Professionals, as well as politicians, would do well to be modest in their approach, admit their own limited knowledge, celebrate collaboration, and use every opportunity to help make a better society.