After years of challenges brought on by COVID-19 and the inequities in education highlighted by the pandemic, decades and centuries old education systems are finally being challenged. Dynamic school systems and leaders who embrace change will succeed and create an educational environment that is more equitable and prepares students for their future.
TO new report of The University of Virginia Association for Leaders in Education (UVA-PLE), “Exploring New Frontiers for K-12 Systems Transformation”, determined that these challenges have caused a transformation of educational systems in the United States.
“Our New Frontiers report highlights the most successful education leaders who are rising to the moment and making once-in-a-generation investments and changes in their education systems for the benefit of their students, their staff and their communities,” said William. Robinson, executive director of UVA-PLE and co-author of the New Frontiers report. “Districts that innovate and embrace change will thrive, and districts that choose to ignore or, worse yet, resist transformation, put themselves and their students at risk.”
At New Frontiers, UVA-PLE identifies four key areas of focus needed for change and innovation in K-12 education systems:
- Innovative Secondary Models – a commitment to change the secondary model to improve student pathways and ensure access to opportunity for all students, along with a recognition by the district and the system that investments in education are investments in the economy of the future;
- Long-Range Academic Acceleration – a focus on accelerating student learning after the pandemic rather than learning recovery;
- creative staffing – new and innovative ways to recruit, train, and invest in teachers and match sources of educational talent with student needs;
- Equitable reallocation of resources – rethink organizational design and allocated resources to align with priority advancements, student needs, and a deep commitment to eradicating gaps and inequality.
UVA-PLE, a leading organization focused on advancing leadership skills and knowledge to create transformative school systems, developed the report with research and feedback from nearly 50 education leaders and superintendents from across the country. Those districts and systems have successfully implemented changes and innovations since the pandemic began. The report also includes bullet points, case examples, and recommendations for transforming our systems to better serve students and families.
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