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.
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 However, most students are asked to conform for 12 years to an outdated model of education.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 Layers of outdated laws, rules and regulations can prohibit this innovation, but states are steadily chipping away at the barriers that prevent schools from personalizing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.
These components allow for a completely unique state approach to next generation learning.
are implementing innovative, personalized education models as part of the Idaho Mastery Education Network.
are administering next generation learning programs.
have fully authorized the use of demonstration of mastery to issue credit.
and the District of Columbia have defined at least one waiver opportunity in state statutes or administrative code.
The Next Generation Learning policy toolkit to supports states working to prioritize innovation, implement student-centered practices and ensure every student succeeds.
Today, nearly every state government has authorized its state board of education and/or
state education agency to grant flexibility to districts and schools. It is usually in the form of waivers and exemptions and often for a stated purpose of supporting innovation or improvement to enable both practitioners and policymakers to meet the growing need to make next generation learning available at scale.
What does next generation learning look like across the nation? How are states promoting mastery-based systems in a seat-time-centric world? ExcelinEd’s research examines the state programs and policies supporting next generation learning and allowing flexibility for seat-time requirements.
For more, view key lessons from next generation learning pilot programs in Florida, Idaho and Utah.
ExcelinEd’s seven-part policy brief series, Transitioning to Student-Centered Learning: Policy Solutions for States, identifies issues and offers solutions for states making the change to next generation learning. Explore the policy briefs below for concrete steps states can use to initiate the systemic changes necessary for innovative, student-centered learning.