Abstract:

This proposal focuses on innovations in education that present promising practices to better prepare students as college and career ready citizens in the 21st century. A pedagogical framework for teaching next generation learners developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO, 2009) and refined by the National Center for Innovation in Education (CIE, 2015) provides the foundation for progressive instructional models at the core of innovations in education. The six critical attributes of next generation learners are used to highlight the changing nature of K12 instruction to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students. These critical attributes, identified and defined by CCSSO, include:
1) world-class knowledge and skills;
2) performance-based learning;
3) personalized learning;
4) anytime, anywhere learning;
5) comprehensive systems of support; and
6) student agency.

The content of this session is based on multiple case study research of innovative school models across the United States. Data include classroom observations, interviews, and relevant documentation from schools that were identified by individuals who are recognized as leaders in national networks of innovative schools (e.g. CCSSO’s Innovation Lab Network, Innovative Schools Network, Next Generation Learning Challenge grantees, New Tech High schools network, etc.). The author also shares commentary related to her own experiences with designing and implementing a new innovative school model that is part of the NGLC network.

This research study focuses on P12 innovative school models for advancing student-centered learning in the United States. With a national focus on college and career readiness, states have struggled to find alternative methods to ensure their graduates have the requisite skills needed for college level learning as well as career placement in competitive job fields (e.g. STEM). As a result, several innovation networks have been established in which schools reimagine P12 education for their students. These networks include the Innovation Lab Network, Innovative Schools Network, and Next Generation Learning Challenges network to name a few. Much of this focus on innovation in schools stems from the work of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) made up of the education commissioner from each state in the country. In 2009, CCSSO published a white paper in which they identify four areas of focus designed to lead the systems change necessary for a true transformation of teaching and learning (CCSSO, 2009).

These areas include:
1) Next Generation Learning,
2) Standards, Assessment, and Accountability,
3) Creating a System of Educator
Development, and
4) Comprehensive Data Systems.

For my research, I am focusing on the first focus area, Next Generation Learning.

Keywords:

Innovative schools, blended learning, personalized learning, next generation learning, technology.