Next Generation Learning

Reimagining Learning for the 21st Century

Next generation learning reimagines learning for the 21st century by providing innovative educators flexibility and support to meet the needs of all students. States throughout the nation are exploring opportunities to provide schools with the flexibility and support needed to ensure students graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for college or career. These innovative, more student-centered strategies and approaches include personalized learning and mastery-based education.

Why Are Alternative Learning Models Needed?

The conventional, one-size-fits-all education system leaves too many students behind. High school graduation rates are at an all-time high, yet hundreds of thousands of students still drop out each year. And those who do graduate, aren’t necessarily ready for the challenges they will face. U.S. college students spend about $1.3 billion annually on remedial courses to master content they should have learned in high school. These realities don’t speak to students’ abilities, but they do reveal that something isn’t right with how traditional K-12 education engages students.

Every student has unique talents and abilities, and every student deserves an education that adapts to their needs. However, most students are asked to conform for 12 years to an outdated model of education.

Next generation learning changes the story. A suite of strategies equips innovative educators with the flexibility and support they need to meet the needs of each child and empower all students to play a greater role in their learning. Layers of outdated laws, rules and regulations can prohibit this innovation, but states are steadily chipping away at the barriers that prevent schools from personalizing learning to empower each student to reach his or her greatest.

How Can States Approach Next Generation Learning?

These components allow for a completely unique state approach to next generation learning.

Real Stories

“At Lindsay, we are customizing the ideal learning experience for every one of our learners. Not just the low achievers … but the high achievers. The fifth grader who is ready for high school algebra. At Lindsay, they get it. They don’t have to wait until the year ends or wait until they turn 14 or 15 years old. Because it’s not about the time. It’s not about the adults. It’s not about the convenience of the traditional system that was designed for the industrial age. It’s about the learner and their needs.”

Thomas Rooney

Superintendent, Lindsay Unified School District, CA

“Working at my own pace helps me achieve my goals because I have total control of the material and the time available to me. If I’m struggling with a class, I can focus specifically on that class for a day and go through the other classes at a faster pace. I also can adjust my pace and go a little faster to make time for work I want to complete.”

Silver Anderson

Student, Jaguar Academy, ND

“Competency-based learning makes sense because we should care about what students can do, not how long they have sat in a classroom. We all learn best when we can move at an individually appropriate pace and our interests can be tied to what we’re learning.”

Gov. Rick Snyder

Former Governor of Michigan

“Having the flexibility to innovate with a student-centered approach will allow schools to better prepare students for future success and lifelong learning. ExcelinEd’s input will be invaluable in making this happen.”

Sen. Jeff Rantz

Indiana State Senate

Real Results

32 Schools

are implementing innovative, personalized education models as part of the Idaho Mastery Education Network.

33 States

are administering next generation learning programs.

32 States

have fully authorized the use of demonstration of mastery to issue credit.

44 States

and the District of Columbia have defined at least one waiver opportunity in state statutes or administrative code.