In the classroom, agency allows learners to acquire deeper understanding and skills, thus molding more competent
learners in and out of the classroom (Briceño, 2013). Creating a culture of student agency better prepares to
succeed not only academically, but also in the 21st century workplace.
A culture that supports risk taking and innovation is equally important. According to the National Association of
Independent Schools (2010), adaptability, initiative, and risk-taking are three essential capacities for 21st century
school climates. Leaders at all levels should encourage their students and colleagues to explore and experiment, to
view failure as an opportunity to learn, and to learn to work in a climate of uncertainty and change.
Education leaders have discussed the need to provide a safe environment where learners feel encouraged to take
risks, and where risk-taking leads to creativity (District 39 Community Review Committee, 2009). Thought leaders,
such as Resa Steindel Brown (2006), state that encouraging children to take risks and not to fear failure empowers
them to rely on themselves for solutions to problems. Educators, too, need a safe place to take risks, to experiment,
and sometimes to fail. However, encouragingappropriate risk taking requires rethinking may aspects of our
education process, including the impact of assessment and accountability. Without administrative support to take
chances classroom practice will not change.