We never stop learning on this show, but this week’s topic is about the formal structures of education we all grew up in: school. It comes in many flavors these days, but in a world of rapid technological and social acceleration, many teachers, parents, and students wonder if the current model is still working.

Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen is a teacher, author, researcher, and the Chief Program Officer at Grantmakers for Education. Her new book is called “The Future of Smart,” and it looks at history, psychology, and our current technological moment and asks: “What if school was more dynamic, more inclusive, and more empowering for all kids?”

We all want this. But getting there isn’t a 3-5 year tweak to the curriculum. Dr. Hansen argues it’s a generational project that could take 20 years — but there’s no better time to start than right now.

Dr. Hansen and Whitney discuss the history of modern education, and how a holistic, mastery-based approach might better prepare students for a world of rapid change.