Outcomes for Your School
In short, unlike any other approach we know of, the approach called Future Search results in enthusiastic collaborative action towards achieving that which your school was previously unable to achieve.
Properly planned and led, the approach produces the following outcomes in relation to your focus (whether it be strategic planning, school change, building school community, changing school culture, creating a school vision, better teaching and learning or healthy children):
- An abundance of new ideas and initiatives
- Total agreement on the key areas requiring attention
- Working teams and a driver around each area
- A vision for each area
- Action plans for each area and the initiative as a whole
- Engagement and enthusiasm
- Fast implementation
The areas mentioned in point 2 are agreed by all present, a fact which often gives rise to concern for school leaders. However, there are two points to note -– (1) as one participant, you have the right to disagree with any area, and (2) we are not aware of this approach producing areas that are unacceptable to school leaders.
In relation to broader issues like strategic planning, visioning and school change, here are the areas that are most commonly agreed upon:
- Meeting of the needs of all children — leaving no child behind.
- Student-centred curriculum — whole child through whole curriculum.
- Abundant resources — locating additional funding.
- Expansion and integration of technology.
- High-quality staff — “leaderful” organisation.
- Safe schools.
- Schools as centres or hubs — partnering with community services.
- Focus on religion (for religious based schools).
- Readiness to learn — access to early childhood education.
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School Parents
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Case Studies
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Testimonials
“I can now honestly say that I have never seen such an approach produce such positive outcomes, goodwill and energy.”
– Deidre Anderson, CEO, U@MQ, Macquarie University
“An exciting and inspiring approach to tackling deeper systems transformation.”
– Professor Michael Fullan
“The Future Search conference encouraged me to take risks. When I heard about TIMMS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study), I went back to my colleagues and said, “I think we can do something with this. We finished 1st in Science and 6th in Maths.”
– Pat Franzen, Science Teacher, Naperville Community School District
“These exemplary principles for facilitating group process have helped us create the space where individuals can take responsibility for their own learning and act upon the decisions they make.”
– Deborah B Reeve EdD, Deputy Executive Director, National Association of Elementary School Principals
"The average scores for youth apprenticeship students went up 200 points on the Statewide standardised tests and enrolments increased by 300%. Today there is a waiting list!"
– Mike Erwin, Principal, North Montgomery County Technical Career School
“I was very impressed with the Future Search approach and have used aspects of it in my own school.”
– Richard Morgan, Principal, The Pittwater House Schools