Whole-Child Development Learning and Thriving

We discuss whole-child development learning and thriving through a dynamic systems theory lens that focuses on the United States and includes an analysis of historical challenges in the American public education system including inequitable resources opportunities and outcomes. To transform US education systems developmental and learning scientists educators policymakers parents and communities must apply the knowledge they have today to 1. challenge the assumptions and goals that drove the design of the current US education system 2. articulate a revised comprehensive definition of whole-child development learning and thriving that accepts rather than simplifies how human beings develop 3. create a profound paradigm shift in how the purpose of education is described in the context of social cultural and political forces including the impacts of race privilege and bias and 4. describe a new dynamic ''language'' for measurement of both the academic competencies and the full set of 21st century skills.