We spent two decades layering computers on top of how we've always done school and that didn't work very well.  In a few outposts, digital learning became an important part of core instruction.  Virtual schools led the way.  With more than 2 million kids learning online in the US and doubling every 2-3 years, most high schools students will do much of their learning online by the end of the decade.  Engaging and adaptive content is emerging and personalize learning platforms are gaining penetration. School models like Rocketship that blend online and onsite learning look promising.  Blended learning service providers like City Prep are helping create a new generation of engaging and productive schools.

To guide and accelerate progress, two promising efforts deserve broad support:

Contact us if you'd like to discuss how you can get involved in advocacy efforts for better online/blended learning options for all students.   

As NCLB and AYP framed the last decade, multi-state assessments developed under federal RttT grants will frame the decade to come in US education.  As noted last week on HuffPost, they won't be as forward leaning as they could be and, as a result, will dampen rather than unleash innovation.  Both of the big coalitions should adopt online assessment and need to leave room for developing capabilities in personalized learning. 

The coming flood of data from adaptive quizzes and content-embedded assessments like learning games requires states, districts, and vendors to build flexible frameworks that will take the 10x increase in data we can expect in 36-48 months.  Here's a summary of 10 coming data challenges.