Well-Being in Schools

About the Author

Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley are both renowned educational researchers and authors with a profound impact on the field of education. Andy Hargreaves is a Professor at Boston College and has authored or edited over 30 books related to educational change, leadership, and professional learning. Dennis Shirley is also a Professor at Boston College and a co-author with Hargreaves on several significant works. Both authors have dedicated their careers to improving education systems worldwide, focusing on well-being, equity, and innovative teaching practices.

Main Idea

The book "Well-Being in Schools: Three Forces That Will Uplift Your Students in a Volatile World" by Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley explores how schools can enhance the well-being of students through three primary forces: prosperity for all, ethical technology use, and restorative nature. The authors argue that improving well-being in schools not only leads to better academic outcomes but also prepares students for healthier, more fulfilling lives. They emphasize that well-being must be at the forefront of educational policy and practice, especially in the wake of the global pandemic.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Well-Being? Why Does It Matter?
3. Theories of Well-Being: Evidence and Influence
4. Questioning Well-Being: The Quest to Do Better
5. The Rise of Well-Being: Between GERM and VUCA
6. Prosperity for All: The Social Economics of Well-Being
7. Ethical Technology Use: The Moral Side of Screen Life
8. Restorative Nature: For People and the Planet
9. Well-Being and Success: Opposites that Can Attract
10. Conclusion: Getting Better

Introduction

The introduction of the book sets the stage by highlighting the urgent need for a renewed focus on well-being in schools. The authors discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' mental health and well-being, and the broader societal issues that have been exacerbated by the crisis. They call for a comprehensive approach to rebuilding education systems that prioritize well-being alongside academic achievement.

The authors state,

"The global pandemic didn’t just make people sick. It exposed how sick many aspects of modern society were already." - Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley

This quote emphasizes the broader societal issues highlighted by the pandemic, setting the tone for the book's exploration of systemic changes needed in education.

What is Well-Being? Why Does It Matter?

Well-being is defined as a state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy. In the context of education, it encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health. The authors emphasize that well-being is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity for students to thrive academically and personally. They cite various studies and examples to illustrate how improved well-being leads to better learning outcomes and overall life satisfaction.

The authors argue,

"Well-being is a big deal. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was already moving closer to the forefront of policy priorities in education." - Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley

This reinforces the idea that well-being should be a core component of educational policy, not an afterthought.

Theories of Well-Being: Evidence and Influence

Hargreaves and Shirley delve into the theoretical underpinnings of well-being, drawing on research from psychology, sociology, and education. They discuss the Whole Child Initiative by ASCD, which promotes a holistic approach to education that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of students. The authors highlight how this initiative has been implemented in various schools with positive results.

The Whole Child Initiative is based on five tenets, inspired by Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: