From Reopen to Reinvent (Re)Creating School for Every Child

A practical blueprint to rebuilding an education system that is no longer working for its students

In From Reopen to Reinvent, distinguished education strategist Michael B. Horn delivers a provocative and eye-opening call to action for the overthrow of an education system that is not working well for any of its students. Grounded in what educators should build in its place to address the challenges that stem from widespread unmet learning needs, the book walks readers through the design of a better path forward.

Using time-tested leadership and innovation frameworks like Jobs to Be Done, “Begin with the End,” tools of cooperation, threat-rigidity, and discovery-driven planning, From Reopen to Reinvent offers a prescriptive and holistic approach to the purpose of schooling, the importance of focusing on mastery for each student, and the ideal use of technology. It also provides readers with:

• A set of processes and ideals that schools should implement to deal with the challenges they presently face
• A way to transform threats into opportunities using threat-rigidity research
• A discussion of how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that schools are not as flexible and equitable as we need them to be

Perfect for K-12 educators and parents and school board members involved in the school community, From Reopen to Reinvent is also an essential resource for professionals working in education-related non-profits and state education agencies.

MICHAEL B. HORN strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions and fulfill their potential through his writing, speaking, and work with a portfolio of education organizations. He is the author of many books, including the award-winning Disrupting Class, Blended, and Choosing College and is the co-founder of the Clayton Christensen Institute.

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Foreword

Introduction

The School System Isn’t Optimized for Anyone

A Better Way Forward

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

The Story of Jeremy and Julia

Chapter 1: From Threat to Opportunity

Threat Rigidity

Autonomy

The Toyota Prius

Southern New Hampshire University

What This Could Look Like in K–12 Schools

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 2: Begin with the End: What’s the Purpose of Schooling?

A Brief History of the Purpose of Schooling

The Importance of Beginning with the End

An Opportunity to Clarify Purpose

A Starting Point for the Purpose Conversation

Endnotes

Chapter 3: The Scope of Schools: How Do We Accomplish A School’s Purpose?

Schools’ Scope

A Better Way Forward: The Theory of Interdependence and Modularity

Applying the Theory to Schools

Six Domains to Consider in Your School’s Scope

Personalizing This Approach in My Community

Remaining Concerns

The Future of Schooling

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 4: Student Experience: Lose Learning Loss

What Do Students Want?

Traditional Schools Fall Short

Lose Learning Loss

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 5: Student Experience: Guarantee Mastery

A Learning Cycle Built on Success

How Toyota Illustrates the Power of Guaranteed Mastery

Time-Bound vs. Guaranteed Learning

Don’t Just Change Grading When Implementing Mastery-Based Learning

Answers to Four Criticisms of Mastery Learning

Having Fun with Friends

From Zero Sum to Positive Sum

Success and Fun with Friends in Action

Results

Implementation of Pods and Microschools

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 6: T in Teachers Is for Team

Moving Past Normal

The Best Use of Face-to-Face Time

No Teacher Should Do All of These Activities

Team-Based Co-Teaching

Unbundling to Take Things Off Teachers’ Plates

Teacher Motivation

Will Teachers Embrace the Shift?

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 7: The Parent Experience

Understanding Parents’ Quest for Progress

Implementing Change

Is Anything Universal?

Kano Model

Flexibility and Unbundling

The Stress of Schooling for Parents

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 8: The Technology

The Bare Minimum

How to Ensure Adequate Technology for All Students

How to Use Digital Learning Well

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 9: Culture

What Is Culture?

How to Create a Strong Culture

The Power of Great Culture

The Risks of Getting Culture Wrong

Reinventing Culture

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 10: Test Your Assumptions and Learn

Will Your Plans to Reinvent Schooling “Work”?

A Less Risky Path That Embraces Innovation

The Standard Planning Process

What Is Discovery-Driven Planning?

Start with the Outcomes

Create an Assumptions Checklist

Rank Your Assumptions

Implement a Plan—to Learn More

Decide On Next Steps

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Chapter 11: Implementing Change When People Don’t Always Agree

Understanding the Level of Agreement

Leadership Tools

Management Tools

Culture Tools

Power Tools

Tool Of Separation

Mechanisms of Movement

The Power of Education

Key Takeaways

Endnotes

Conclusion

Resolving the Paradox

Endnotes

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