The Future Ready Schools initiative is a project developed by the all4Ed (formerly the Alliance for Excellent Education), a Washington, D.C.-based national policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring all students, particularly those who are traditionally underserved, graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship.
The Future Ready Schools (FRS) framework is designed to assist district and school leaders in planning and implementing personalized, research-based digital learning strategies to prepare students to overcome challenges and succeed in unimaginable future careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUTURE READY SCHOOLS FRAMEWORK HERE: https://futureready.org/future-ready-frameworks/
The Future Ready Schools (FRS) framework can be instrumental in shaping state education policy by providing a structured approach to integrating technology and digital learning strategies into schools and districts. Here are some ways the FRS framework can be used to improve state education policy:
1. Closing the Digital Divide:
FRS emphasizes robust infrastructure, ensuring that every school has access to high-speed internet and necessary devices. State policymakers can use this aspect of the framework to address the digital divide, making internet access and devices available to students in underserved communities, thus ensuring equitable educational opportunities.
2. Personalized Learning:
At the center of the framework is the learner, as the FRS framework promotes personalized learning experiences for each student no matter their zip code. State policies can encourage schools to adopt personalized learning approaches, enabling tailored educational experiences that cater to individual student needs and interests. This personalization enhances engagement and student outcomes.
3. Professional Development (Learning) for Educators:
Policymakers can allocate resources to support personalized professional learning for educators, as highlighted in the FRS framework. By investing in teacher training programs related to technology integration, states can empower educators to effectively use digital tools in their teaching methods, enhancing the overall quality of education – addressing the Digital USE Divide.
4.Addressing Privacy and Using Data for Instructional Improvement:
FRS advocates for using data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes. State policies can encourage schools to collect and analyze data effectively. Additionally, policies can ensure the protection of student privacy while allowing educators to utilize data-driven insights to identify learning gaps and implement targeted interventions.
5. Community Engagement:
The FRS framework emphasizes the importance of community partnerships. State education policies can incentivize schools to collaborate with local businesses, organizations, families, and community leaders to enhance learning opportunities. The FRS framework can drive connections in educational outcomes to workforce readiness in districts and regions. These partnerships can provide students with real-world experiences and expand their understanding of various professions and local career opportunities.
6. Flexible Learning Environments (Anytime, Anywhere Learning Opportunities:
FRS encourages reimagining the use of physical space and time through blended learning and hybrid models. State policies can support schools in adopting flexible learning environments, allowing students to engage in both in-person and online learning. Flexible scheduling and varied learning spaces can provide inclusive learning environments that accommodate diverse student needs and preferences.
7. Resource Allocation:
Policymakers can use the FRS framework to guide budget allocations. By investing in the necessary infrastructure, professional development, and curriculum resources, states can ensure that schools have the tools and support they need to implement effective digital learning strategies. Strategic resource allocation is crucial for the successful (and sustainable) implementation of innovative practices.
8. Foundational Skills for Success (the Four Cs):
State education policies aligned with FRS can focus on preparing students for the skills they need in the modern workforce. By integrating technology and digital literacy skills into the curriculum, students are better equipped to meet the demands of future careers, which are increasingly reliant on technological proficiency. These foundational skills are to success in work and life and include creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.
In short, including the FRS framework into state education policy can lead to a more equitable, engaging, and effective educational system that prepares students for the future workforce and can significantly improve the quality of education for all students.
The Framework in State Plans
To see the Framework in action, explore the below links:
