Mirror, mirror on the wall? Is there anything fair in here at all? Examining the current relationship of school and society

ABSTRACT Schools reflect society and societies reflect the schooling of their citizens. Amidst the Covid Pandemic, the failures of many nations to respond effectively and in an equitable manner have been on display for the world. The authors highlight the failure of neoliberal educational policies to create compassionate societies and propose a radical overhaul of Western schooling. Using Leithwood’s four paths model to frame their proposal, the authors offer guidance for principals to create schools modelled on care and compassion that may help to ameliorate the societal ills on display in nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. To accomplish this, a new understanding of community and conscience must emerge that draws from lessons learned prior to industrialisation, technological advances and a singular focus on self-interest.