Quick Facts

The Waters Foundation Systems Thinking in Schools Project has a proven track record:

-It is one of seven exemplars that comprise Peter Senge's Academy for Systemic Change.

-It has been recognized by Michael Fullan as one of six promising innovations for the teaching of critical thinking for 21st century learning. This research is being funded by the Stupski Foundation.

-It has hosted a wide range of visitors interested in learning about systems thinking in the K-12 classroom, including leaders from the U.S. Department of Education, NASA, business leaders, professors, consultants, and educational researchers.

-Borton Primary Magnet School (TUSD) was formally recognized by Microsoft International for Innovative Teaching for its use of systems thinking strategies in classrooms.

-Over the past 20 years, it has provided highly acclaimed training, workshops, and presentations to educators from Arizona, Oregon, California, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Georgia, New Mexico, Texas, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Singapore, the Netherlands, The Phillipines, India, Mexico, Canada, and China.

"I am excited to see this skill set being sought after in professions, and even more excited to see this fostered in schools. What I have seen in these schools is that the students get a very strong set of tools and that, clearly, these tools enable them to think independently and to work with peers on wonderfully complex subjects.  The students are really able to come up with understanding of complex scenarios and have a strong sense of what the drivers of those scenarios are." -Sam Walton

"Without systems thinking skills, it is impossible to effectively lead, set direction and execute in senior executive roles across most industries. Too many leaders, unfortunately, have emerged with well-developed left brain thinking methods of management, but underdeveloped right brain, holistic thinking leadership abilities. Is this dominance of left brain thinking a result of our schools and our training and development programs, or is this inherent? If it is not inherent, then there are few greater areas of leverage for innovation in education than by developing systems thinking skills with kids starting from a young age!" -Marv Adams, COO, TD Ameritrade; former CIO, Citigroup; former CIO and head of Corporate Strategy, Ford Motor Company

"Releasing the energy for real change hinges on connecting deeply with what people truly care about and connecting with the generative DNA of an organization. Schools are all about kids and the future, a future that will depend upon systems citizens. As schools awaken to this deep purpose, our task is to leverage what is already being learned by those furthest ahead -quickly." -Darcy Winslow former Global General Manager/ VP Women's Footware, Apparel & Equipment, Nike

"Systems thinking habits and tools help students articulate their understanding of the systems they are studying. When middle school students have visual tools that assist their learning and encourage them to think deeply about things that matter to them, they become more motivated and engaged. I've been a middle level administrator for 21 years, and have not found a better way to improve school culture, address organizational challenges and promote rigor and relevance in classroom instruction. In addition, former and current students often share the value of systems thinking and how the common language and visual tools have helped them perform better in school and in life." -Kathy Scheppe, Principal, Gridley Middle School, Tucson Unified School District, AZ