Learning by Design
An Interview with Adam Smith By Joe Landsberger
“In Australia, we are yet to fully embrace the power and potential that the Internet can truly offer in terms of connection and access. We see through the high level of use of social networking sites that young people crave connection to peers but in most cases are yet to channel this connection into authentic learning.” Editor’s Note: “Education Foundation Australia is unique in its focus on philanthropic support for public education. It is the only independent, non-profit organisation in Australia that strengthens public education by investing private monies (philanthropic and corporate) into primary and secondary schools. Our focus is educational excellence and equality of opportunity.”1 In May 2008 The Foundation for Young Australians and the Education Foundation announced the formation of an alliance which will bring together an impressive range of capabilities in the youth and education sectors. Adam Smith, one of Australia’s youngest and most successful philanthropic leaders, was appointed as CEO of the combined organisation. (Spelling follows British conventions.) Joe: G’day Adam. Can you start us off by summarizing your academic background? Adam: Following high school, I commenced a degree in Psychology and Education before taking time off to work and study in New York with the Coalition for the Homeless. Upon returning to Australia, I have 1
Education Foundation Australia—About Us. In Education Foundation Australia. Retrieved June 7, 2008, from http://www.educationfoundation.org.au/
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Joe: and with online learning? Adam: While formal study online is not something that I have yet pursued, the Internet is without question the most powerful tool I have to remain connected and to learn and share with others around the world. Joe: You are often referred to as a passionate advocate for children and young people with an unfaltering commitment to supporting public education in Australia. How did you discover this calling?
Joe: How would you characterize your own experience as a learner?
Adam: Through work in schools around Australia, the absolute necessity for every child to have access to an excellent education became increasing clear to me. The harsh reality I frequently observed is that schools often don’t have the resources, flexibility or expertise to engage the students who most need to be engaged, and addressing this need is the responsibility of every citizen.
Adam: Traditional academic learning has not been a pathway that I have followed. My richest and most engaging learning has come through the vast experiences I have had working with children and adolescents around the world. Many of these children have been my greatest teachers.
Adam: Australia, like any country, needs diverse models of education. Diverse models of teaching and learning. Public education is the only offering with a mandate to support the learning needs of every child, and should be the system of education
Adam Smith been fortunate to have the opportunity to undertake a large number of short executive courses to further my knowledge and practice in the areas of philanthropy, education and leadership.
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Joe: Why the commitment to public education?
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that establishes the benchmark of what all education settings should strive to achieve. This is not yet the case. We as a nation do not demonstrate a sense of pride in our public education system and I remain committed to leading this change. Joe: You have a diverse and international early work experience: the Coalition for the Homeless in New York City, remote villages in Thailand, and as the Australian Youth Representative for children and young people to the United Nations General Assembly. How has this affected your perspective on education? Adam: An international perspective had absolutely redefined how I view the educational and learning needs of every child. Arguably, unlike any other period of history, the need for every person to have an awareness of the world in which we all exist is paramount.
tion is that the education and learning needs of indigenous children are culturally specific, complex and different to many other children. Our education system must embrace this, and a number of national initiatives are slowly starting to address this. Dare to Lead is an excellent example—http://www.apapdc.edu. au/daretolead/. Joe: Between primary and secondary levels? Adam: Primary education in Australia is, in my experience, excellent. Secondary education has not yet evolved to the point where each individual student feels empowered, supported and engaged. My aspiration is that our national education system can offer a guarantee to every stu-
and could, be offered to every student. Education Foundation Australia created a suite of City Learning programs to cater for this specific opportunity. Joe: What role does the Education Foundation Australia play in balancing the needs of diverse populations? Adam: Education Foundation Australia works to address disadvantage in Australian schools as well as advocating for standards, expectations and measures to be improved for all students. Joe: How would you describe the “Back to School Day” program? Adam: ‘Back To School’ is one of the most important initiatives in public education in Australia. Since its inception more than 3000 Australian’s have returned to their own public schools to celebrate the role they played in their success. My hope is that this initiative continues to build pride in public education and is a catalyst for every public school to create an alumni network of former students.
“ ‘Back To School’ is one of the most important initiatives in Joe: Australia was a pioneer in public education in Australia. distance education with its educational program for children Since its inception more than in the Outback. How has this 3000 Australian’s have returned program progressed beyond correspondence courses of to their own public schools to 19th century and radio broadcelebrate the role they casts since the 1930s? Adam: Although the impact played in their success.” of radio transmitted classes and an excellent model of distance education provided remote children and adolescents access to a comprehensive education, the role of online learning continues create access for many geographically isolated young people. In Australia, we are yet to fully embrace the power and potential that the Internet can offer in terms of connection and access. We see through the high level of use of social networking sites that young people crave connection to peers but in most cases are yet to channel this connection into authentic learning. Joe: Is there a difference in access and effectiveness between indigenous and ranching children? Adam: While this is not an area I feel adequately equipped to respond to, my understanding and apprecia-
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dent, that their individual learning needs will be understood, embraced and nurtured. Joe: Is there an influx of international students into the Australian school system? Adam: Absolutely. Full fee-paying students, particularly from Asia, continue to spend time in Australian schools. Joe: How would you describe the state of urban public education? Adam: There is often a sense that regional and remote schools are more disadvantaged than their urban counterparts. This is not necessarily the case. However, city based learning is one of the most exciting and inspiring opportunities that should,
Joe: Do you have another current project or course that is of particular interest?
Adam: We are in the process of bringing the ‘Youth Action Net’ (http://www.youthactionnet.org) model to Australia to support the personal and professional development of young social entrepreneurs. Joe: Are there unique applications of technology in education in Australia? Adam: Australia is yet to make significant educational advances through the use of technology. Joe: What was your role with the Foundation for Young Australians (http://www.youngaustralians.org)? Adam: I was Deputy Chair of the Foundation for Young Australians until my appointment as CEO in June of this year. Joe: On May 23, 2008, The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) and Education Foundation Australia
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announced an alliance, bringing together their services in the youth and education sectors. You became the CEO and one of Australia’s youngest and most successful philanthropic leaders. What do you see the focus and advantages of the combined organization? Adam: The merger has been based on the premise that 1 + 1 = 3. Meaning that while the core operations of both organizations will continue, a series of new initiatives will be created that unite the strengths and knowledge of each organization. These will focus on innovation, social enterprise, research and advocacy. Joe: How did the two differ? Adam: Essentially, Education Foundation Australia has focused on research and program delivery and Foundation for Young Australians on grant making. Consequently the knowledge and practice of each is quite complementary. Joe: Education Foundation brings together the private sector with public education as a not-for-profit organization. When did this begin, and what do you see for results so far? Adam: Ellen Koshland established the Education Foundation in 1989 to encourage community support for public education, believing that every child regardless of his/her circumstance deserves the best educational opportunities. Under Ellen’s leadership, the Foundation has raised over 12 million dollars. The Foundation now operates on a national scale, in every state of Australia, receiving its funds from businesses, trusts, individuals and governments to fund programs that actively support students to develop their numerous talents, a love of learning and self-esteem. The Foundation spearheads innovation in the areas where change is most needed. Joe: You stated in eNews, Issue 6, June 2007 that “It’s hard to imagine a time when education has drawn more attention than it does today. We’re in the midst of a federal election that in 10
part is hinged on both sides of the political spectrum, developing policy that will ensure our education system is able to deliver economic, intellectual and social prosperity for our nation in the short, mid and long term.” In November 2007 the opposition centre-left Australian Labor Party defeated the incumbent centre-right coalition government. What do you see as the impact of this election on public education? Adam: I remain optimistic about the stated commitment of the Labor Party to lead an education revolution to improve the standard for all students in Australia. Joe: What role do regional or national governments play in the work of your foundation? Adam: Historically, the state Government in Victoria has had a great interest in our programs and research and over time have offered a small amount of funding. Our hope is that post-merger, our relationship with the national government will be strengthened. Joe: Do you receive public funding? Adam: Yes. Of the $3 million raised annually by Education Foundation there is a mix of philanthropic, corporate, individual and government support. Joe: Is “educational reform” much on the minds of Australians today? Adam: Absolutely. Although most Australians struggle to offer a definition as to what this means or looks like. Joe: Is there an Australian equivalent of America’s “No Child Left Behind” federal program? Adam: Not yet. In my view, this nation desperately needs to articulate a similar commitment to every child. Joe: How would you compare the issues of Australian and U.S. education, especially public education? Adam: Clearly there are strengths in each system that could be shared and
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adopted more than they currently are. The percentage of students in public schools in the U.S. is significantly higher than in Australia, which is something I would like to address in this country as a significant percentage of students now attend private schools. There are some exemplary models of schooling in the U.S. which “break the mould” and offer a specific, local and inspiring approach to the needs of individual students. We are yet to have the courage to really support such alternative models in Australia. Joe: What do you see as your role as board member of the Americanbased International Youth Foundation (http://www.iyfnet.org/)? Adam: My time on the board of IYF has provided me with an important platform to ensure the views and values of many young people are shared. My role on the board has initiated a stronger approach to youth participation within the governance of the organization and has allowed me to offer my skills and ideas in program development and expansion. Joe: What does your relative youth bring to these and other efforts? Adam: Hopefully a demonstration of the role that young leaders can, and do, play in the not-for-profit sector. Joe: Do you have a personal/professional website or other public persona in digital networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Orkut? Adam: Absolutely. I am a huge fan of Facebook! Joe: What are your professional organizational affiliations? Adam: I am a founding member of Change Makers Australia, an organisation that was established to extend the practice of social change philanthropy in Australia http://www. changemakers.org.au Joe: Thank you Adam, and best of luck to you and your colleagues in this work. Adam: Thanks so much Joe. Volume 52, Number 5
