The Power of Co-Design: Why Youth Voice Is the Pulse of Innovation School-community partnerships that have the greatest impact are those that invite students to co-design the programming and lead change efforts.

Indeed. "If we aren't listening to the youth, we aren't leading the future. We’re just standing in the way of it." -Nika Hollingsworth, Boston Public Schools
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/the-power-of-co...

Using AI to Bridge the Gap for 2nd Grade Writers Using AI guided by Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can remove structural barriers of writing that limit student expression & demonstration of learning.

Writing is one of the most complex cognitive tasks we ask of young children. See how this teacher uses an AI tool to bridge the mechanics of writing so their ideas—the actual "learning" part—cross over.
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/using-ai-to-bri...

Why Your Mental Health Curriculum Can’t Leave Student Athletes Behind Whole-child learning initiatives are stronger when mental health education and social skills development are built into school athletics programs.

See how we can teach healthy mindsets and prepare student athletes to tap into the rich learning opportunities that athletics provides.
#StudentSuccess #MentalHealthEducation #WholeChildLearning
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/mental-health-c...

From Procedural to Conceptual: Reframing Math to Bolster Confidence Math is the architect of the universe but it is often taught as a race to one right answer rather than an ability to tell stories about the natural world…

"Let’s stop asking students to find x and start helping them use math to find their path in a world that depends on it." Learn more with STEM educator Kelli Easterly!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/procedural-to-c...

Building a Rigorous Student-Centered HS Program from the Ground Up A few educators launched a new academic program in their district, without a blueprint or a grant, to help HS seniors get back on track for graduation.

Check out how Flight Academy in Manchester Public Schools (CT) asks previously struggling students to show what they're capable of and provides the relationships and systems to help them do so! www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/rigorous-studen...

Today’s Schools Need Research and Information Gathering Spaces Innovative learning spaces encourage student & teacher investigative conversations, peer reviews, research skill development and presentations of learning.

What spaces in your school can be used for inquiry & demonstration, where:
🌟external partners mentor students, provide feedback
🌟students develop research skills
🌟students present their learning?
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/todays-schools-...

Designing Accountability into Daily Learning Students can become more accountable for their learning when check-ins, grading, and feedback are built into the daily flow of class.

Make the most of Exit Tickets! Turn them into a check-in opportunity where students reflect on their progress, celebrate what they accomplished, and identify what they need to be successful. Check it out!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/designing-accou...

Looking Ahead: Insights from the SETDA State EdTech Trends Report State ed leaders identify five key findings in SEDTA's State EdTech Trends Report: AI, funding, device bans, professional learning, and cybersecurity.

Take a look at state and national perspectives on education technology. No surprise that #AI takes the lead as a priority!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/looking-ahead-i...

We are excited to announce that NGLC is merging with a longtime field-leading partner in transforming learning: LEAP Innovations! Read our announcement to learn more and find out how you can contribute to "The Next LEAP"!!!!!
www.leapinnovations.org/leap-news/introducing-th...

Boosting Collaboration with Vertical Whiteboard Activities in Modern… Introducing Building Thinking Classrooms strategies into personalized learning models can increase student collaboration and engagement in deeper learning.

See how this ELA teacher increased collaboration within a #PersonalizedLearning model by implementing strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms!
BTCthinks.bsky.social
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/boosting-collab...

AI in the Classroom: Supporting Teachers without Replacing Humanity Guiding principles help teachers use AI to reduce stress, spark creativity & personalize learning while keeping the essential teacher-student relationship.

Teachers: You can use AI to reduce stress, spark creativity & personalize learning, without losing the essential and central teacher-student relationship. Check out these guiding principles!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/ai-in-the-class...

Variety in learning spaces helps schools evolve, as learning evolves. It also accommodates a variety of learning approaches to meet students’ needs. Learn more from a school architect!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/diverse-learnin...

How Sensory Language Gives Students a Safer Way to Name Emotions When students are introduced to the sensory language of taste, they are able to name complex emotions and can develop greater emotional fluency.

See how to introduce students to sensory language related to taste. It can help them make sense of their emotions and build their emotional fluency.
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/sensory-languag...

Youth Voice in Education: Sharing Student Experiences Learn what youth voice is, why it matters, and how real student stories and experiences support more equitable, learner-centered education in schools for…

With stories by students and their ed supporters, you can explore what #YouthVoice is, why it matters, and how real student stories and experiences support more equitable, #LearnerCentered education. Take a look!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/youth-voice-sto...

Take Time to Make Time: Creative Mindfulness in your Classroom Creativity and mindfulness are wellness strategies teachers can use to help students address anxiety and stress to reset the energy in their classroom.

Read what's new on the Next Gen Learning blog » Take Time to Make Time: Creative Mindfulness in your Classroom, by Maryland teacher Kelly Murphy
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/take-time-in-yo...

Preparing the Next Generation of Educators Teacher prep programs that develop 4 skills to sustain an educator’s impact demonstrate that great teaching is about more than lesson plans & test scores.

"Great teaching is about far more than lesson plans and test scores." See what skills are essential for the next generation of educators.
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/preparing-the-n...

Boost Students’ Academic Experiences with Small Group Learning Pods Small group learning benefits from spaces that are designed to support peer-to-peer discussions, group project work, and differentiated instruction.

✨ Dynamic learning environments with small group pods create flexibility that can foster collaboration among students, empowering them to take charge of their own learning. Take a look! 💡
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/small-group-lea...

Your Favorite Learning Experience Charts the Way to a Learning… What if schools were designed to spark powerful, purposeful, super-engaging, life-enhancing learning all the time, every day?

See examples of #NextGenLearning that's happening right now, in public schools, making a difference for young learners, today!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/your-favorite-l...

NGLC Biannual Report 2025 | PDF to Flipbook Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

Catch up with NGLC and take a look at our programming and how you can join our community of transformative adult learners! https://heyzine.com/flip-book/368f8110bb.html

Cracking the Code on K–2 Literacy Using Manipulatives A walkthrough and coaching process focused on phonics is making sure that K-2 students can transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."

"The impact of this shift was immediately visible. During our follow-up walkthroughs, we saw classrooms transform from spaces of passive listening to laboratories for 'code-breakers.'" Take a look!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/k-2-literacy-us...

From the Factory Line to the Classroom: How I Built the Culture I… The routines, structures, and clarity of an innovative learning model can help teachers build positive, supportive systems and culture in their classroom.

The routines, structures, and clarity of an innovative learning model can help teachers build positive, supportive systems and culture in their classroom. Learn more!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/building-classr...

Students as AI Natives: Rethinking Learning for the Next Generation Instead of using AI to replace learning, let's use AI to inform and augment learning for deeper engagement & more analysis, critical thinking & creativity.

When AI replaces learning, it undermines the very purpose of education. But when it informs and augments learning, it enables deeper engagement and more analysis, critical thinking, and creativity. Learn more! www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/students-as-ai-...

At NGLC we like telling a good story. Check out our own story of helping to transform learning in schools and districts across the United States in the last two years, and see how essential your role in our story has been! https://heyzine.com/flip-book/368f8110bb.html

Signal Strength: When Learning Survives Beyond the Bell What do students remember from your lessons each day? Here's how you can help them focus on what matters to support meaningful, and enduring, learning.

“When the bell rings, the worksheet stays behind. The slides disappear. What students leave with is whatever feels important enough to notice.” How can we help them notice what matters most?
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/signal-strength...

Finding Their Voice: Empowering Non-Verbal Students through… Three essential shifts can help educators rethink ‘student voice’ and create an inclusive classroom for non-speaking or minimally-speaking students.

"Every individual has a right to a unique, robust voice," says educator Kristen Liedtke, even nonverbal and minimally verbal students. See how to embrace inclusive communication practices in your classroom!
#studentvoice #specialed
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/non-verbal-stud...

It’s Time to Roll with Polyhedral Pedagogy Evidence suggests that tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) can transform learning. One teacher is demonstrating the advantages of instructing with TTRPGs.

Step inside this creative writing classroom in a KY HS that’s infused with table-top role-playing gameplay to see students' writing skills, creativity, resilience, communication & joy in learning grow!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/polyhedral-peda...

Life Ready Graduate: Redefining Learning at Ephrata Ephrata Area School District’s Life Ready Graduate competencies offer clarity, purpose & direction for a personalized, tech-embedded learning environment.

Yes! "Our responsibility is to send students into the world not only with diplomas, but with the confidence, momentum, and life-ready competencies to thrive in whatever comes next."
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/life-ready-grad...

Building a Mental Wellness Tool Belt for Students and Educators Meditation calms the body’s stress response; over time, students learn how to notice their thoughts, regulate their emotions, and refocus their attention.

"Imagine sitting through a lesson while practicing active meditation; you might be surprised at how much more you retain." Check out the benefits of active meditation for learning AND wellbeing!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/building-a-ment...

One and Done No More! (Why Mastery Based Learning ROCKS!) The power of formative feedback isn’t generating grades for the grade book; the power is using it to drive instruction so each student reaches mastery.

🌟 This teacher has seen remarkable growth in her students, including those who once struggled! 🙌 See why formative assessment isn't about filling in your gradebook; it's about guiding your instructional decisions!💡
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/mastery-checks-...

What’s Next in 21st Century Learning What does “21st Century Learning” look like at this turning point as we head into the next quarter-century?

Happy New Year from NGLC! Can you believe we are 26 years into the 21st century? What does "21st Century Learning" actually look like now and what comes next for K-12 education? Take a look for signals of what's to come!
www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/whats-next-in-2...