"Everything we know as school leaders changed with COVID-19, ushering in an era of prolonged ambiguity. But as disconcerting as ambiguity is, Michael Fullan writes that it also creates an opportunity for positive change to happen. Ten years ago, Michael Fullan wrote a paper called "Choosing the Wrong Drivers," which addressed educators' mistaken focus on accountability, individual performance, technology, and fragmented work. The problem was that, while the paper proposed four alternative right drivers, it didn't go far enough in representing a theory school leaders could implement cohesively for system change. Now, Michael believes, the time is right and it is more imperative than ever that the right drivers be put to work in our schools. The right drivers are: Wellbeing and learning (essence) Social intelligence (limitlessness) Equality investments (dignity) Systemness (wholeness) In this new book, Michael makes the case for our focus to shift from individual, I-focused, and high-stakes testing to a more holistic, we-focused, feedback orientation that prioritizes the dignity of all of the people in our schools"--
Be bold. Think big. Change Schools.
Everyday we’re problem solving—but deep down we know the system is no longer working. Do we just keep trying harder, or do we dare to transform how we “do school?”
In The Drivers: Transforming Learning for Students, Schools, and Systems, renowned authors Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn build on their previous books and lay out a complete model for transforming teaching and learning. The goal: making sure students are actually prepared to live and thrive in the complex world around them. Learn to:
- Orient students, staff, and community around the four drivers: wellbeing and learning, social intelligence, equality investments, systemness
- Believe that young people can generate more l magic in the world if we enable them
- Take cues from five school communities who have successfully embarked on system change
- Lead, develop, and connect with others at different stages of system change
Schools are not meant to be solely feeders to MBAs, Ph.Ds, or corporate boardrooms. When we see schools as local hubs of innovation, and model for students what it means to be community-focused, we will renew the relevancy of our most valuable institutions.
Arvustused
Fullan and Quinn make the case for an educational paradigm that places humanity and its needs at the center. In clear and compelling language, they explain how we can move quickly from the schools we have to the ones our society needs. For those who recognize that education is critical
to creating a more just and equitable future, this book will serve as a guide and source of inspiration. -- Pedro Noguera * Los Angeles, California * The Drivers is truly a book for the moment. Fullan and Quinn offer a set of interlocking design principles, brought to life by cases of school- and district-level transformation, which light a way toward a future where all can thrive. The book manages to be both clear-eyed and aspirationala
combination that will resonate with stakeholders at all levels of the system. -- Sarah Fine * San Diego, California * This book is an engaging must-read for all educators involved in systems change because it offers strategies centered on
the humanity and well-being of stakeholders. It will help you rebuild a framework around systems change with meaningful insights from successful school communities around the world. -- Michele Broadnax * Los Angeles, California * Fullan and Quinn have braided together some of the most important, current, and cutting-edge research with a clear understanding of the challenges of moving theory to practice. This book offers powerful advice on shifts that must happen in our school system and society if we are ever
to achieve the pluralistic, multiracial democracy we have promised to our children. -- Jeff Duncan-Andrade * San Francisco, California * A timely book that provides an innovative approach to education. Fullan and Quinn draw on extensive international and practical experience to comprehensively understand the drivers essential for fostering change in education. This is a must-read for educators, policy makers, and anyone interested in positively impacting education and the world. -- Leandro Folgar Ruétalo, * Uruguay * This is truly great workan arresting and compelling guide to transforming our systems of education. It demands the exercise of our crucial role as stewards in service to and in cooperation with others. The Drivers reactivates the lifeblood of a human system of learning. -- Anthony Mackay * Washington, D.C. * Fullan and Quinns passionate and easy-to-read book is a call to action that will inspire and inform those seeking to transform our education system so that every learner has the deep learning required to survive and thrive in a complex world. This is what is needed to drive the necessary transformation of our schools. -- Sandra Milligan * Melbourne, Australia * Fullan and Quinns four interrelated drivers build an ecosystem that enables learners to live with themselves, live with people who are different from them, and live with the planet. This is the daring and ambitious agenda we need given the challenges humanity faces. -- Andreas Schleicher * France *
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
Prefrace
Where to From Here?
Driver 1: Well-Being and Learning
Driver 2: Social and Machine Intelligence
Driver 3: Equity-Equity Investments
Driver 4: Systtemness: Everyone's Agenda
Deep-Learning: The Future Depends on It
Epilogue: The Humanity Paradigm in Action
References
Michael Fullan, Order of Canada, is the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative. Michael served as Premier Dalton McGuintys Special Policy Adviser in Ontario from 2003-2013. He received the Order of Canada (OC) in December 2012 and holds five honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His interim autobiography, Surreal Change, covers his pre-Covid-19 era to 2018. Michael and his colleagues are now working diligently on field-based comprehensive system change in several countries. Under the umbrella of what they call the humanity paradigm equitable-equal deep change that integrates local (school and community), middle (district/regional), and centre (policy) entities. Michaels latest books are Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration (with Mark Edwards, 2022), The Principal 2.0 (2023), The Drivers (with Joanne Quinn, 2023), and The New Meaning of Educational Change, 6th Edition (2025).
For more information on books, articles, videos, podcasts please go to: www.michaelfullan.ca
Joanne Quinn is an international consultant and author on system change, leadership, and learning. As co-founder and global director of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning, she leads the capacity building of a global innovation partnership across eight countries focused on transforming learning. Joanne has provided leadership at all levels of education as a superintendent of education, implementation advisor to the Ontario Ministry of Education, and Director of Continuing Education at the University of Toronto. Recent books include Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems; The Taking Action Guide for Building Coherence in Schools, Districts, and Systems; and Deep Learning: Engage the World, Change the World. Joannes diverse leadership roles and her passion to open windows of opportunity for all give her a unique perspective on influencing positive change.
