Schools, Districts and States Leading the Way

Modernizing your school isn’t the same as adding a new program. We have to let go of some beliefs and practices in order for the new ones to be introduced. Thus, the best way to learn is from other school, other educators, and the students experiencing a new way of learning and teaching.

On this page you will find case studies of schools, districts, and states that are leading the way. These case studies are snapshots in time. Schools may have advanced beyond what is described here, changed course, or closed for a variety of reasons. They are still valuable in sharing lessons learned, including lessons of what not to do, and to help us understand what modern schools can look like. Districts with an * are places that I’ve heard about but don’t have case studies prepared by me or other organizations.

There are many more schools advancing modern approaches to learning than those listed here. If you would like to make a suggestion of a school to be highlighted, please leave a comment. Or you can submit a two-part article. In the first, describe what your vision is for modern education and your key implementation steps with links so that others can learn from you. In the second half, please share a few critical lessons learned or missteps.

Alaska

Arkansas

Springdale: CompetencyWorks Case Study Springdale, Arkansas: A Tradition of Innovation and Future of Opportunity; Building Learning Momentum at Springdale’s School of Innovation; Finding Time and Providing Support for Student-Driven Learning; Encouraging Learning Risks and Growth. See also Innovation Springing Up in Springdale

California

Covina Valley Unified School District (real-world learning)
Da Vinci Schools
Del Lago Academy
- See CompetencyWorks Case Study: Interdisciplinary Projects and Assessment Practices at Del Lago Academy; Science Competencies and Micro-credentials at Del Lago Academy; Personalization and Positive School Culture at Del Lago Academy; A High School With No Students – Only “Scholars”
El Segundo School District (SEL)
Lindsay Unified School District
- Beyond Reform: Systemic Shifts Toward Personalized Learning
- Instructional Look For, Site Level Conditions, Educator and Leader Mindsets (Summit, Lindsay, Transcend)
Khan Lab School
Mission Vista High School
Summit Public Schools
- Self-Directed Learning at Summit Public Schools

Colorado

Denver
District 51
- See 15-part Series at CompetencyWorks
- Journeys to Personalized Learning, FSG
Thompson School District
- Conrad Ball Middle School
- Lucille Erwin Middle School
Metz Elementary, Westminster Public Schools

Connecticut

Delaware

Design Lab Schools

District of Columbia

Van Ness Elementary (SEL)

Georgia

Henry County

Idaho

Idaho’s execution of a statewide pilot strategy has been exemplary to date. The Path to Personalized Learning and T a le of Three States provide insights The partnership with reDesign, with a team that understand the spirit of CBE, has also made a huge difference. The articles below were based on site visits in 2018. Since then substantial changes have taken place at the state level.

Illinois

Chicago
Fenton High School
Ridgewood High School

Indiana

East Noble School (real world learning)
Purdue Polytechnic

Kentucky

Maine

Casco Bay High School, Portland Public Schools
RSU2
University of Maine Preque Isle

Massachusetts

Boston Day and Evening Academy
- Aligning Competencies to Rigorous Standards for Off-Track Youth
Chelsea High School
Cohasset Public Schools
Francis Parker Charter School (CompetencyWorks)
Melrose Public Schools

Minnesota

Eastern Carver School District
Kennedy Elementary, Wilmar

New Hampshire

Be sure to learn about the PACE initiative as it is a spectacularlly strategic effort to build capacity around performance-based assessments and create systems for moderating understanding of achievement.