Are we focusing on the right problems in school?

Here's what we know...

We know that safe drinking water is still out of reach for millions. We also know the contamination of fresh and saltwater bodies around the globe is adversely affecting usable water supply.

We know that certain economies around the world have become increasingly fragile and susceptible to negative changes that affect millions of people.

We know that species around the world are becoming extinct at a faster rate than ever before in the history of the world. Some of these same species are heavily relied upon for human food consumption as well.

We know that the main sources of energy in the world are becoming more limited and scarce. The continued reliance on these sources of energy is and hasn't been sustainable for quite some time.

Lastly, we know that climate change is real and it's happening as you read this very sentence. The effects of climate change aren't yet fully known, but they most certainly won't be good.

So, with knowing all of this, which I honestly don't believe is doubted, debated, or unknown to the masses, how have we adjusted and modified what we are doing in schools to address these known issues?

The reality is that some of these issues impacting the world are already having significant implications for everyday people and their everyday lives. Additionally, if these issues aren't having a negative impact yet, according to the experts they most certainly will in the next 25-50 years.

Here's the rub... we want to provide our students with a well-rounded and broad set of educational experiences. We want our students to learn about the many great things that have occurred in the history of the world. We want our students to be prepared for the real-world which may include college or some type of career.

But, what if all of that didn't matter because the world as we know it ceased to exist?

What if we continue spending our time on what 'was' and ignore what 'is' and what 'will be?'

For the sake of our youngest students and for the sake of their potential children... are we focusing on the right problems to ensure a good and sustainable quality of life for those in the future?

Or, are we preparing our kids for a world that doesn't and won't exist in the future?

If we know the problems, shouldn't we be using this awesome opportunity called school to come up with some solutions?

Just a marble that's been rolling around in my head lately...