Schooling for Holistic Equity:
How to Manage the Hidden Curriculum in K-12

In this book I combine the most thoroughly supported scientific model of motivation and engagement, Self-Determination Theory (SDT), with my analysis of successful holistic education to completely reimagine K-12 education.

This book won the Independent Press Award in the Psychology category and also received Distinguished Favorite in the Education category.

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Powell's Books: Paperback or Hardcover

Amazon: Hardcover, Paperback, or E-Book

Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite

Review:

Don Berg’s Schooling for Holistic Equity is a masterpiece that deserves a place in every teacher education program across the U.S. and Europe. This assertion may seem bold, but after delving into his comprehensive 500-page text, complete with 60 pages of references, it is my genuine conviction.

Berg's work addresses the deep-rooted educational inadequacies that stem from our disconnection with the Laws of Nature and our dismissal of the wisdom of our “pre-civilized” ancestors who lived according to them. His profound insights cover a range of crucial topics, offering clear explanations on issues such as the blindness of science to reality, the misunderstanding of motivation in psychology, the non-binary nature of truth, and the roles of joy and self-determination in achieving equity. Additionally, Berg critiques the many hegemonic illusions embedded in the K-12 curricula.

With its thorough analysis and visionary perspective, Schooling for Holistic Equity is an essential read for anyone committed to transforming education.

— Four Arrows (Wahinkpe Topa) a.k.a. Don Trent Jacobs, Ph.D., Ed.D., Doctoral Faculty - School of Leadership Studies, Fielding Graduate University

Advanced Praise:

Don Berg’s book Schooling for Holistic Equity speaks to the need for every child to engage in learning that matters to them, find belonging, and know they can make a contribution. To have this kind of education be available for every child will be no easy feat. And, Don offers an important message we need to hear over and over again—education transformation is possible.

—Kelly Young, President, Education Reimagined

Through the lens of psychology Don Berg’s book, Schooling for Holistic Equity, looks at the present day education system and simplifies what seems like an insurmountable problem. How do we problem-solve rampant disengagement amongst not only the students but the staff as well? His resolution to include psychological expertise at all levels, from policymakers to teachers is a simple, yet effective answer. Afterall, if our goal is to make all things equitable in the classroom, should not mental health be included? His research builds upon others to show that excitement around learning leads to a deeper understanding of topics, and this is only achieved if all involved feel the type of connection he describes.

—Scott Frauenheim, CEO, Distinctive Schools

As a deep learning advocate and a parent of a homeschool family, Don Berg's new book, Schooling for Holistic Equity, resonates with me powerfully. In this book, Don diagnosed the disengagement problem widely experienced by students and teachers alike in the US schools from the perspective of psychology and human primary needs, and maintained that deeper learning only comes when students' primary needs are nurtured and met. His point was richly and convincingly illustrated using examples from multiple areas of disciplines such as Psychology, Medicine, and Physics. Grounded in profound knowledge in psychology and education, and supported by practical evidence and suggestions, this groundbreaking book is a must read for all educators, policy makers, college education majors and parents with school aged children.

—Dr. Houbin Fang, PhD., Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, Columbus State University

What Is Schooling for Holistic Equity About?

There is no question that the global education system is in crisis. There is a significant risk that the mainstream school system will cheat children out of some – if not all – of the education they deserve because a pervasive, hidden curriculum utterly fails to support the well-being of students and educators. Students are expected to act like data-processing machines, but real human beings do not act like machines. In his groundbreaking book Schooling for Holistic Equity Don Berg explores the reasons for current high levels of student and teacher disengagement, the disconnect between educational goals and results, and the “fauxachievement” and shallow learning that prove woefully inadequate in preparing students for higher education or the workforce.

A psychologist with more than twenty years of experience in education, Berg lays out the foundation for a scientific understanding of deeper learning grounded in Self-Determination Theory and the primary human needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. He shows how the central problem in our schools has less to do with academic instruction and more to do with the psychology of learning. His model for educational design, called Catalytic Pedagogy, is a comprehensive plan to bring about large-scale, systems-level change.

Psychological research shows us how to engage and motivate people, and recognizing human needs provides us with the exact guidance necessary to proceed as effective learners and teachers. Schools should be – and can be - joyful places where passionate teachers teach enthusiastic students. It’s time for a transformation in education, and Berg’s trailblazing model shows us the way.

Order NOW:

Powell's Books: Paperback or Hardcover

Amazon: Hardcover, Paperback, or E-Book

Interviews:

Changing States of Mind with Lucinda Powell

TeachingPD YouTube Channel / Effective Teaching Podcast with Dan Jackson

Education on Fire Podcast with Mark Taylor

The BigEDidea Podcast with Ryan Scott

Book Launch Interview: Don Berg interviewed by Jenn Grace, founder of Publish Your Purpose

Full Interview (28:41)

Excerpts:

Suggested Citation: