The Future is High School

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.

The Future is High School

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.

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

Why now

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. Breakthroughs in learning science, alongside a growing movement of educators, students, and communities, point the way to high schools that truly prepare young people to thrive in the intelligent age.

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Only 45% of students say they feel prepared for the future.

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Only 45% of students say they feel prepared for the future.

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Only 45% of students say they feel prepared for the future.

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60% of secondary teachers report lack of student interest in learning as a major challenge.

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60% of secondary teachers report lack of student interest in learning as a major challenge.

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60% of secondary teachers report lack of student interest in learning as a major challenge.