The Edge of Chaos

Last week I attended a Professional Development  meeting for principals in our area. Among the things discussed was reflective evaluation and planning for the future. One speaker presented the concept that we need a new model for thinking about our schools and how we approach administration. I did not take notes on what he suggested was the current model but the model he suggested did catch my eye. He called it the Life Science Model and here is what I got down:

• Equilibrium is a precursor to death
• Living systems move to the edge of chaos
• Self organization and emergence take place
• Systems can not be directed along a linear path

 Being comfortable with living on the edge of chaos is a real challenge for our educational system ( and myself as a type A personality) but I believe those of us who are embracing all things 2.0 see this as a reality. I am also struck by the fact that it is a mandate for living systems to approach that edge so we better get used to it …

 I was also struck by the last statement…Systems can not be directed  along a linear path…can we substitute the word learning for systems? Or what about adding the word learning so we are talking about “Learning Systems”. 

I have not had time to fully process this but I am both challenged and given hope. This is the model I am moving toward so I am on the right track but it also is a radical shift from where I (we) have been in education. It pushes my boundaries. What do you think?

( Cross posted to Dare to Dream)