Christopher Lydon of Harvard Law reviews the "great writers who anticipated the contemporary crisis." The bookstores are full of interesting perspectives on globalization — the food, music and ethics of it all, as well as the politics and economics. Some of the basic books I've found helpful are:
Joseph Stiglitz, "Globalization and Its Discontents."
Tom Friedman, "The Lexus and the Olive Tree."
Amartya Sen, "Development as Freedom."
Benjamin Barber, "Jihad Vs. McWorld."
Naomi Klein, "No Logo."
In learning about the world consciousness out there, I have revelled in a marvellous website (originating at the National University of Singapore) on Post-Colonial Literature: http://www.postcolonialweb.org/
For anyone who thinks the arts in our schools are frills... Creating is an important source of our inner peace. By creating we are able to contribute to the shared pool of peace that exists in the world.
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~estutz/linkp&p.html
May 3, 2003 - Statewide March for Public Education in Albany.
The March 17, 2003 issue of NYSSBA On Board includes an article entitled - "Job One for School Boards: Envision". It was the sidebar that caught my eye -- Trends affecting education in the next 10 years -- Questions school boards should ask themselves to develop a district-wide vision.