Why holistic Education ...

Many communities, states and countries around the world are currently examining their education systems to see how they might change to meet their needs in the 21st century.

Students, teachers and the wider community are expressing concerns about shortcomings of current education systems. 

Student Concerns

• Not all students are fully engaged in the current curricula. Too many students drop out, are absent or don't participate.

• Current education systems do not satisfy student needs for meaning, wholeness and fulfilment.

• There is a perceived lack of visionary leadership in the national education agenda.
• Many teachers are over-worked and highly stressed trying to cope with new technology, new courses and a greater diversity in student needs - or trying to maintain old practices within a system that can no longer support them.

• There is a deepening crisis of substance abuse, suicide, homelessness and violence experienced by youth.

• There is an avoidance of urgent global issues such as environmental degradation, sustainable development, human starvation/disease/poverty and species extinction.

For example, in 2000 the Tasmanian community envisioned a preferred future where:

1. All who want a job will have one.
2. They have an inclusive and compassionate society.
3. They will have a world-class reputation for innovation, imagination and intelligence.
4. They will have an ecologically sustainable future.
5. They will have a high quality of life and healthy lifestyle.
6. They will have a form of government that is inclusive, open, and close to the people.
7. They will have an international reputation for excellence in the arts and culture.
8. They will invigorate their rural and regional communities.
9. They will have a proud and confident community.  

However the strategies chosen to achieve these goals will be strongly influenced by the world-view or paradigm from which they are interpreted.