Real World Learning

Students and an adult examine a motorized skateboard prototype in a modern school makerspace.

Learning Design

The Joy of Learning: A Core Principle for Success

Jordan Luster

Dec 6, 2024

Explore the transformative power of joyful learning, emphasizing connection, curiosity, and real-world engagement in education.

Odyssey Farm to Table program

Difference Making

The Importance of Purpose-Based Learning in K-12 Education

Nate McClennen

Nov 21, 2024

Purpose-based learning connects students to real-world tasks, boosting engagement and preparing them for societal contributions.

Students working on 3D design projects on iMac computers in a classroom decorated with film and TV posters.

New Pathways

Impact Projects at Northeastern University

Tom Vander Ark, Mason Pashia

Nov 19, 2024

Engaging students in impact-driven projects is one of the most effective ways to cultivate valuable skills while developing what Charles Fadel refers to as the key Drivers of learning: Motivation, Identity, Agency, and Purpose. These Drivers are increasingly recognized as essential in Education for the Age of…

Educators working on school concepts of the future

Learning Design

Why We Need More New Schools (Even with Enrollments Down and Closures Ahead)

Tom Vander Ark

Aug 15, 2024

A landscape of innovation in US K-12 education reveals traditional, efficiency, and future-ready models, highlighting new learner-centered ecosystems.

Hikers trekking toward a towering volcanic rock formation on Kilimanjaro's alpine desert, above the clouds

Leadership

Summit Stories: Lessons in Simplicity and Strength on Kilimanjaro

Matt Piercy

Jul 30, 2024

Join Matt Piercy on his climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Learn as he relates teamwork, leadership, and the appreciation of simplicity to education.

Students and teacher collaborating at a round table with tablets in a modern, innovation-focused learning space.

Career & Technical Ed

How to Start Investing in New Pathways

Tom Vander Ark

May 14, 2024

A small exurban district asked for tips on how to invest in New Pathways. Here are 10 ideas for how to get started.

High Tech High Mesa

New Pathways

Real World Learning in San Diego High Schools

Tom Vander Ark

Feb 29, 2024

A recent trip to San Diego highlighted a group of impressive schools with a commitment to real-world learning.

Two students converse near a running track outdoors, with a camera operator filming in the background.

Difference Making

Students Are Still Telling the Stories

Guest Author

Jan 22, 2024

Students At Cherokee High School are creating their own video packages to continue the Cherokee tradition of storytelling.

Difference Making

Laguna Beach High School Gets in the FLOW of Environmental Literacy

Michael Niehoff

Dec 18, 2023

This chronicles one high school’s creative and innovative approach to addressing local environmental problems and establishing a school wide, cross-curricular approach.

Students gathered around a metal fabrication machine in a Kansas City workshop classroom, working hands-on with sheet metal.

New Pathways

More Real World Learning in Kansas City

Tom Vander Ark

Nov 24, 2023

On recent school visits, Tom Vander Ark observes multiple ways that KC schools are embedding real world learning.

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What is the name of the school? *

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Rate Your School Along the Following Innovative Shifts *

For more information about any of these shifts, check out our New Horizon Design Principles.

	Beginning	Piloting	Implementing
From Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery	BeginningFrom Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery Beginning	PilotingFrom Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery Piloting	ImplementingFrom Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery Implementing
From One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning	BeginningFrom One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning Beginning	PilotingFrom One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning Piloting	ImplementingFrom One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning Implementing
From Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry	BeginningFrom Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry Beginning	PilotingFrom Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry Piloting	ImplementingFrom Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry Implementing
From Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning	BeginningFrom Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning Beginning	PilotingFrom Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning Piloting	ImplementingFrom Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning Implementing
From Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities	BeginningFrom Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities Beginning	PilotingFrom Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities Piloting	ImplementingFrom Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities Implementing
From Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment	BeginningFrom Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment Beginning	PilotingFrom Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment Piloting	ImplementingFrom Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment Implementing
From Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets	BeginningFrom Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets Beginning	PilotingFrom Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets Piloting	ImplementingFrom Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets Implementing