New Alliance Brief Examines How Expanded Learning Opportunities Can Help Prepare Students for College and Career

On September 7, the Alliance released a new policy brief calling for expanded learning opportunities for high school students through methods such as work-based experiences, innovative technology, and personalized lesson plans, saying these have the potential to help address projected skill and knowledge shortages in the nation’s workforce.

“More so than with students in elementary and middle schools, ‘anytime, anyplace’ learning has especially strong potential for high school students, whose unique needs and challenges are often best met outside the traditional high school structure,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia.

The brief, “Expanding Learning Opportunities: A More Comprehensive Approach to Preparing High School Students for College and a Career,” suggests that schools consider a variety of innovative strategies as they strive to graduate more students who are ready for college and a career. Possible methods include allowing flexibility regarding time, location, and delivery of education; providing opportunities for students to apply knowledge in real-world situations; and ensuring social and academic supports.

Read the press release or download the full brief.