Postnormal Education: A Futures Perspective of Public Education

• In Event: Organizational Theory Practice and Promise

Abstract

This paper begins with evidence that supports the contention that we are living in postnormal times (PNT). It then uses futures approaches to explore how evidence of our transition to PNT impels our immediate rethinking and re-creation of all public institutions, including education. Building on organizational theory and trend analyses, this grounded theory inquiry will address three questions: (1) What are the stressors to public education introduced by PNT?; (2) What are the possible futures of public education? and (3) How can we address the challenges and embrace the opportunities of PNT to create a more democratic educational system? Results of these analyses will point to the need to rethink the what’s, why’s and how’s of public education in PNT.

Author

• M. Jayne Fleener, North Carolina State University