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New publication: Tracing educational changes through world history

How have education systems evolved over time and how can we draw from this historical trajectory to inspire meaningful education system transformation that serves the greatest number of people?

Tracing educational changes through world history, a paper authored by Neil Butcher, Angela Ochse, and Merridy Wilson-Strydom, examines the history of education, following its development from early societies to the 21st century and exploring how societal shifts, economic imperatives, and deeply entrenched practices shape education today. By exploring this historical evolution, the paper demonstrates that educational change does not happen in isolation: educational practices, content and principles echo the societies they serve. In doing so, the paper outlines key drivers of large-scale educational change, reflecting on potential implications for promoting similar large-scale education transformation today.

With grant support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, NBA will develop, test, and document what kinds of strategies might facilitate shifts toward meaningful, sustained openness in education systems.

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A classroom setting: a teacher in front of a chalkboard talking to a row of girls at desks