Modernizing the American high school means redefining what success looks like and how we help young people get there.
Reimagining high school for the modern era
American high school education is at a crossroads. While the world accelerates toward an AI-driven economy that demands creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, our high schools remain trapped in an outdated architecture designed for a different era.
Through extensive collaboration with students, families, educators, employers, and community based leaders nationally, Carnegie Foundation has identified eight interconnected R&D priorities, to help catalyze and sustain high school transformation. The Carnegie Foundation commits to accelerating learning and discovery across these priorities through partnerships with practitioners and policy makers nationwide.
A National Call to Action
Carnegie’s national Research and Development Agenda (R&D Agenda) is aimed at supporting the transformation of the American high school from time-based to competency-based models, to better prepare students for civil society and the modern economy.
Future of High School Innovation Series
The first story in our series highlights three systems in the Carnegie Foundation and XQ Future of High School Network—Eastern Hancock Schools (IN), Henrico County Public Schools (VA), and Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (MA)—showing how they expand learning beyond the classroom through flexible structures, shifting mindsets, and stronger partnerships with employers, educators, and community members.
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Our R&D Agenda work is also strengthened by partnerships with leading organizations, research institutions, and methodologists who have contributed to the agenda.
High school transformation must reflect the needs and experiences of the people it serves. Our R&D Agenda is informed by extensive engagement with students, families, educators and workforce leaders.
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Find ways to impact change in education. Join us as we work together to create a world where every student’s potential is realized.
