10 State

Policy Actions

10 State

Policy Actions

The Future
is High School

Headline

Headline



High schools shape the future for our young people, the economy and our nation. But they’re rooted in a century-old model built for the industrial age, even as the world is changing faster than ever. With math and reading scores at record lows, it’s clear that too many students are graduating unprepared for what comes next.

For over a decade, XQ has worked with communities to redesign high school. The Future is High School draws on that experience and everything we know about adolescent development. It outlines ten policy actions grounded in three core areas: clear goals, powerful learning experiences, and measures that matter. Together, they have the power to drive real outcomes for our young people—and the country as a whole.

The suite includes 51 tailored reports covering every state and D.C., a frontier guide showing what the gold standard looks like, and this website—a living resource that we’ll update regularly to capture progress across the country.


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Policy Action
1
Mastery-Based Credits
Policy Action
1
Mastery-Based Credits
Policy Action
1
Mastery-Based Credits

Grant all districts flexibility to credit learning based on competency rather than seat time

Policy Action
2
Core Competencies
Policy Action
2
Core Competencies
Policy Action
2
Core Competencies

Identify the core competencies necessary for high school graduates

Policy Action
3
K-16 Alignment
Policy Action
3
K-16 Alignment
Policy Action
3
K-16 Alignment

Align high school graduation requirements with college eligibility for the state’s public higher education institutions and directly admit students

Policy Action
4
Community-Led Redesign
Policy Action
4
Community-Led Redesign
Policy Action
4
Community-Led Redesign

Invest in community-led high school redesign initiatives

Policy Action
5
Postsecondary Credits
Policy Action
5
Postsecondary Credits
Policy Action
5
Postsecondary Credits

Ensure universal access to advanced coursework that can lead to college credit

Policy Action
6
Internships and Apprenticeships
Policy Action
6
Internships and Apprenticeships
Policy Action
6
Internships and Apprenticeships

Award credit for rigorous, work-based learning, including internships and apprenticeships

Policy Action
7
Professional Development
Policy Action
7
Professional Development
Policy Action
7
Professional Development

Invest in educator preparation for student-centered, deeper learning models

Policy Action
8
Next-Generation Assessments
Policy Action
8
Next-Generation Assessments
Policy Action
8
Next-Generation Assessments

Pilot and scale next-generation assessments of mastery and deeper learning

Policy Action
9
Redesigned Transcripts
Policy Action
9
Redesigned Transcripts
Policy Action
9
Redesigned Transcripts

Develop modern transcripts that reflect a broader range of student achievement

Policy Action
10
Success Data
Policy Action
10
Success Data
Policy Action
10
Success Data

Report postsecondary enrollment and completion data by high school

About

From insights to actions

These actions draw on more than 10 years of collaboration and practical experience with students, educators, and policymakers.

About

From insights to actions

These actions draw on more than 10 years of collaboration and practical experience with students, educators, and policymakers.

About

From insights to actions

These actions draw on more than 10 years of collaboration and practical experience with students, educators, and policymakers.

High school is where America’s future takes shape. Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators, problem solvers, and leaders—but our schools are still rooted in a century-old model built for the industrial age. As automation and AI transform the job market, too many students leave high school unprepared for what comes next. We know better is possible.
About

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Join XQ on a transformative journey reimagining high school education across America. Experience the future of learning through our interactive bus tour.

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December 17, 2025

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