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This is Why Education Reform is So Damn Sticky
Who do we blame for the glacial pace of education reform?
This timeless story is about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
It starts with Everybody saying that the education system is broken and something needs to change.
It’s assumed that Everybody will kick things off because they always go on about it. Everybody says nothing will be the same after COVID-19, AI will change everything, and climate change means the time is now.
However, Everybody is convinced that Somebody will actually take the lead because Somebody usually does, and they are really good at this sort of thing.
In truth, Anybody could do it, but in the end, Nobody steps in to do it.
Somebody gets frustrated about Nobody doing it because Everybody said they would.
Everybody points out that Anybody can do it, but Nobody guessed that Everybody wouldn’t.
So the story ends with Everybody being blamed by Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
My words are taken (almost entirely) from the brilliant poem “That’s Not My Job”. I’ve not been able to find a reference for it, but if you can share it with me, I will be happy to credit it as it deserves.
Damian Bacchoo is currently a High School Principal at an international school in Singapore and has previously been the Global Head of the International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Programme, based in The Hague. He writes about a number of school issues, including mental health, equity, diversity and the need for educational reform.
You can also find me on my blog Serendipities.
