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Schools across Kentucky are in the midst of a pivotal overhaul: moving beyond the outdated world of worksheets, multiple-choice tests, and sit-still-for-a-long-lecture learning. Groups of teachers, entire schools and some districts are opting for a fast-forward to meet a pair of fundamental needs:<\/p>\n
><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Employers report that new workers are seriously ill-prepared for modern productivity. Collaborative and flexible workplaces need nimble employees who can analyze situations and information, work together to solve problems, and be ready to make changes or customize products. Those skills have taken hold in higher education, civic enterprises, and social interaction. However, schools working in a subject-by-subject, passive mode where facts are disconnected from current conditions, controversies or curiosities are out of sync with the world of work.<\/p>\n ><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Today\u2019s generation of students are known as tech-savvy natural networkers. They find information in new ways from unexpected sources and binge on interests at all hours. Yet, schools working in a subject-by-subject, passive mode where facts are disconnected from current conditions, controversies or curiosities are out of sync with the students they serve.<\/p>\n Realizing that schools are out of tune \u2014 and that testing and accountability plus state laws and regulations reinforce traditional approaches \u2014 many educators are opting for updates that redefine expectations and engage students. Their goals are better preparation, stronger achievement, and schooling that draws students and teachers into explorations\u00a0rooted in community and current issues.<\/p>\n The Prichard Committee is focused on state and local movement toward a more meaningful diploma. It is vital to update the system to better serve all students and deliver the fundamentals \u2014 and provide advantages \u2014 for adult success.<\/p>\n Starting last fall, we visited innovative classrooms across the state. Interviews with dozens of teachers, students, administrators, employers and more are captured in a series of four stories offering an up-close view of new approaches. Go inside classrooms bringing learning to life while practicing modern fundamentals of productivity. The series showcases emerging issues, new techniques and challenges involved in making durable skills and deeper learning available to all students.<\/p>\n The stories cover key topics:<\/p>\n RETHINKING NECESSARY SKILLS AND ENGAGING EXPERIENCES<\/u><\/a><\/strong> to better prepare students for challenges to learn, work and thrive beyond high school. Visits to schools in Rowan and Jefferson counties offer glimpses of active, relevant learning experiences and how educators are equipping students as communicators, collaborators, problem solvers and more.<\/p>\n UPDATING OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS<\/u><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0with local \u201cgraduate profiles,\u201d greater student voice, and new connections to employers and communities. The Shelby County district is working with even its youngest students to reset expectations and classroom experiences. Over the past decade, the growing move toward deeper learning and durable skills has grown from grassroots conversations about local needs and how schools can better serve students and communities.<\/p>\nSPECIAL REPORTING SERIES AVAILABLE NOW<\/h2>\n