?? Are Future-Proof High Schools on the Horizon?
XQ Institute
XQ's mission is to transform America's high schools so every student can succeed.
Learnings from the ASU+GSV Summit and how AI and collective action will usher us into the future. By Edward Montalvo - Director, Educator Network
Here Comes the Sun
“Here Comes the Sun” was the theme for this year’s ASU+GSV Summit—the yearly collaboration between Global Silicon Valley (GSV) and Arizona State University (ASU). Every year, the summit brings together educators and changemakers to ensure all people have equal access to the future.
The event shone a new light on educational opportunities. But before reflecting on the warm glow I experienced at this recent event in San Diego, I want to highlight the powerful words I heard from two different speakers at the summit, XQ CEO Russlynn Ali and Dr. Gholdy Mohammod: education has to work for all.
Dozens of sessions focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. Many of us heard powerful discussions about the need to keep the humanity of our students front and center. Here are my key takeaways:
?? A New Sputnik Moment in Education
During XQ & Carnegie’s keynote session, Russlynn Ali dove deep into the history and trajectory of high school education in a fireside chat with Carnegie Foundation President Tim Knowles and moderator Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart. They discussed what Russlynn called a new "Sputnik moment" for education, echoing the urgency of that historical moment with our current challenges to reshape our educational architecture.
The new framework they envision is student-centered at its core for a post-Carnegie Unit world. Some elements they outlined:?
?? Community Voices and Holistic Learning
During the summit, I also had the privilege of hearing from community-led organizations that focus on holistic learning outcomes beyond content standards. These discussions reinforced shared beliefs that academic success is only part of the equation; understanding one's identity and nurturing meaningful relationships are equally vital. Dr. Mohammad’s words on this were deeply resonant for all in attendance.
A major takeaway: the XQ Learner Outcomes and Competencies provide the language for many teachers to unite the social-emotional skills they value with rigorous academic content. Together, they foster well-rounded individuals poised for success in the future economy.
?? Student-Centric Learning and AI Integration
At the AI Revolution (AIR) Show, PBL took center stage as the commanding vector to bring this evolving technology into the learning environment. Makers and educators demonstrated how AI supercharged their educational agency, with many teachers demoing live examples of how they designed better community projects, generated faster, more personalized feedback, and could differentiate and scaffold instruction in record time.
However, student voices were mostly absent from these discussions, with only a few groups sharing their poster projects. Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of the Purdue Polytechnic High Schools network in Indiana, received applause at the XQ keynote session when she called attention to the absence of high school students during the AIR Show.
This was my most important takeaway from the AIR Show: we must ensure students actively participate in conversations about the tools shaping their education. Angela Daniel, school leader at PSI High in Sanford, Florida (where I used to teach), pointed out that we must be cautious about what voice AI is built on and whether that is the voice of our students. Chances are, it isn’t. Angela and I will unpack how to address that in an upcoming Xtra.
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??? The Path Forward
A critical takeaway from our panels was the need to address the impacts new technologies have on students’ mental health. As we integrate AI tools into classrooms, it’s imperative that we align them with our educational goals and student well-being.
By taking a holistic approach to our young people, we can be optimistic about a future where learning technology is student-centered, driven by equity, and inclusive.?
Watch this video to learn more about the new educational architecture described in Russlyn and Tim's keynote session. Also, stay tuned for upcoming issues of the XQ Xtra, where we'll explore AI technology and its implications for XQ educators embracing the technology in their classrooms.
?? Join the Movement
Share your thoughts about the intersection of AI, PBL, and learning outcomes that will ensure high school students are well-prepared for the future. Add your insights to our digital community, the XQ Xchange. Discover diverse perspectives from educators nationwide in this new Facebook Group and collaborate on ideas and inspiration.
XQ Stories & Updates:
?? “I don’t think I would be where I am right now without my intern.” Witness how Dunbar’s innovative pilot programs empower students and teachers to connect learning with real-world opportunities. Catch the latest in our DC+XQ Video series.
?? Speaking of technology, our latest in The 74 is very relevant. There’s Already a Solution to the STEM Crisis: It’s in High Schools. Co-authored by XQ Senior Advisors, Michelle Cahill and Anne Mackinnon, and Beyond100k’s Talia Milgrom, discover how schools leverage joy and belonging to elevate STEM learning.
?? Watch how to rethink high school with “The First Class,” our documentary about Crosstown High’s founding group of teachers and students. The school was created by people across Memphis who wanted a new approach to learning and it comes with resources for educators to replicate some of the exciting examples of project-based learning seen in the film.?
Share With Us:
Contribute stories and insights about high school transformation with us on social @XQAmerica using #RethinkHighSchool, and we will include them in a later edition of the Xtra.
?? Or send us a message directly at [email protected]