The fact that the pandemic hit during a school semester has provided what may be the largest natural socio-educational experiment of our time. And it's been uncomfortable.
Knowing what counts
I’ve stopped counting how many Sistema programs I’ve visited. There have been many, many, many, but I don’t see much point in attempting to enumerate them. I've found that passing visits rarely if ever offer enough information to draw any real conclusions about what happens between the walls, if not for reasons of time constraints, … Continue reading Knowing what counts
When beauty pageants, human rights, and music collide
It’s likely that, were it not for some controversy, the most recent Miss USA spectacle would have passed largely unnoticed, as befits an outdated and sexist institution that ironically claims to be progressive and feminist (because seeing a woman in a swimsuit is apparently an essential way to gauge her intellectual capacities). But the competition … Continue reading When beauty pageants, human rights, and music collide
Touring Test – Part 1
From Mark Swed’s hogshead overflowing with champagne to Gabriela Montero’s dry shot glass, there’s been plenty of disagreement over both the size of the vessel and the extent to which it was filled by YOLA’s appearance in the Super Bowl
Social action through music – beyond Sistema
An investigation into "Social Action through Music" produces some unexpected - and oftentimes uncomfortable - results.
What next for Sistema?
What do Microsoft and Venezuela have in common?
Still Steamed about STEM (Part 2)
Sistema programs are a declaration of different aspirations, of different values, of a different vision for society
Steamed about STEM – Part 1
This is the perverse logic of the world of STEM.
The Two (Ivory) Towers
If you're an educator trying to lead a Sistema program, here's my suggestion for what to keep in mind.
This is where we flew
How a major research university is playing a role in Sistema internationally
Jonathan Andrew Govias 