Breakthrough Models for College Readiness: An Introduction to Next Generation Blended Schools

This compilation of Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) grantee profiles illustrates the innovative approaches of 20 new blended learning school models awarded grants under NGLC's third wave of funding, which focused on "Breakthrough Models for College Readiness." It provides practical details particularly of interest to those designing and planning innovative secondary schools.

The introduction describes common attributes across the portfolio, including personalized learning, student-directed approaches, hands-on experiences, flexible learning spaces, and interactive and adaptive learning management systems. Following the brief overview, each individual model is profiled. The individual profiles summarize key features through graphics and at-a-glance facts. They also offer important descriptive information about the instructional and financial models and their unique methods and structures to rethink “school” in affordable, sustainable, and scalable ways, so that they work in particular for underserved populations.

Next Generation Learning Challenges accelerates educational innovation through applied technology to dramatically improve college readiness and completion in the United States. To learn more about NGLC and the grantees it supports, visit nextgenlearning.org.