From Catalyst to Companion: When Standards Serve, Not Steer

In this thought-provoking piece, Randy Bowman challenges the growing expectation that adult educators must catalyze personal or societal transformation. Instead, he makes the case for a humbler, learner-centered approach, one where standards support, not steer, the journey. By reframing the educator’s role from catalyst to companion, Bowman explores how well-designed standards can honor autonomy, respect learner goals, and still uphold quality and fairness.