The impact of the systems thinking in schools project: 20 years of research, development and dissemination

Teachers and school administrators are challenged with the complex task of providing engaging and relevant learning opportunities for students, while simultaneously managing federal and state-mandated standards of student achievement. High-stakes testing and 21st century workforce skills, and the challenge of preparing students for an unpredictable future lead educators to the investigation of new methods that address this complex instructional dilemma.

The mission of the Systems Thinking in School Project is to increase the capacity of educators to deliver academic and lifetime benefits to students through the effective application of systems thinking concepts, habits and tools in classroom instruction and school improvement. This paper will describe the impact of the Systems Thinking in Schools project on 21st century student learning and achievement.