Does it not seem to you that the stakes are higher in education and, generally, in everything, everywhere these days?

While it might feel that way, I think in response to such an assessment, it would be fair to say, “It depends.”

For example, if you look at the world at a political leadership level, polls over the past 50 years show that our collective trust in government leaders has declined in recent years. And, if we look at the world through a scientific lens, we are able to measure that, indeed, the planet is getting warmer. Not good. And the list of global maladies goes on and on.

But, if we look at the world, for example, from a medical perspective, we can see many positive advancements or trends taking place across the planet: the proportion of people living in extreme poverty worldwide has almost halved; average life expectancy has grown by over 25 years since 1960; and polio has virtually been eradicated worldwide. It’s far from perfect and further progress is needed, but there are some significant improvements to be noted!

So, “it depends.”

Over to the educational world.

The issues in education these days might, at first blush, appear to be more numerous compared to a generation or two before. Let me list some issues or topics impacting this generation’s schools and students (in no particular order):

• steep competition for university placement
• student mental health and wellbeing
• kids’ average phone and screen time
• COVID-19
• the legalization of marijuana
• underrepresentation of female students in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
• addressing equity and inclusion shortfalls
• vaping
• social media (e.g. TikTok)
• generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT)
• sedentary lifestyles for teenagers

However, what were the issues and debates of the day when you, your parents or grandparents were in elementary and secondary schools? Some examples might include (again, in no particular order):

• segregation
• corporal punishment (i.e. the use of physical punishment on children)
• the Creationism vs. Darwinism debate
• lack of teacher training
• rock and roll
• The Great Depression
• the right of female students to access schools
• lack of accommodation for students with learning challenges
• little resources to support student university selections
• physical bullying in playgrounds
• pressure to enter into active military service after high school graduation
• tobacco use
• the introduction of computers into the classroom

So, what issues are/were more challenging? And, who had it worse – Baby Boomers, Gen X or Millennials? And how about our current Gen Z students? Does it depend on your perspective?

I would like to posit that the question is moot – as it really doesn’t matter. No generation has it easy. I would rather take the position that the societal and educational issues of the times have always been and always will be of significant consequence to education.

Look at your own family history and the history of families around the world who have been fortunate enough to have had the benefit of education. Access to good schooling, regardless of the times and the issues, transforms children and families – and their descendants. Education alters the trajectory of people and their communities for the better, regardless of the time in history.

In short, education is always consequential.

Certainly, every generation has faced its issues of the day and nobody’s school experience was untouched by the challenges of the times. Our school has a long history of striving to do its best to educate and prepare kids for the future. We will continue to do so with confidence and determination, including talking openly and passionately about the issues of the day. And, I believe our students and staff would concur that, when faced with societal issues of importance, we are fortunate to be living and learning within a thoughtful community such as ours.