Big Takeaways:
• Radical Redesign Over Tinkering:
Real educational transformation requires rethinking school design from the ground up—not just tweaking existing models.
• Student-Centered, Real-World Learning:
Students should work on their world problems, not just “real world” problems, to make learning personally relevant and motivating.
• Flexible, Project-Based High School Models:
Purdue Polytechnic High School eliminated rigid schedules, prioritized projects, and created adaptable physical spaces that foster engagement.
• Strong Relationships Drive Outcomes:
Deep connections between staff and students are foundational to academic and personal success.
• Equity in Design:
Low-income students deserve high-quality environments and opportunities. Design matters—physically, academically, and emotionally.
• Micro Schools as Innovation Hubs:
Smaller, more nimble schools allow for quicker innovation, personalized learning, and new approaches like work-based learning.
• New Indiana Diploma Framework:
The redesigned diploma provides flexibility, student choice, and real-world relevance—including “seals” for employment, enrollment, and enlistment readiness.
• Learning Beyond the Classroom:
Experiences like internships, speech teams, and leadership roles can count for academic credit under the new diploma model.
• Policy as a Lever for Innovation:
Changing state policy to make innovation the new norm helps reduce risk for districts and accelerates systemic change.
• The Evolving Role of Educators:
Teachers must shift from content delivery to equipping students with durable, transferable skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration.
• Leadership that Embraces Vision and Change:
Effective school leaders balance vision with empathy, manage change, and support others in taking bold steps toward transformation.
Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership