As 2025 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a season marked by uncertainty, rapid change, and a growing chorus of voices calling for something better for our kids, educators, and communities.

From the fluctuating role of the federal government to the dizzying acceleration of AI, the context around education has shifted faster than most systems can keep up. These forces have amplified the disengagement felt by youth and magnified the frustrations of educators and system leaders who are doing everything they can within structures never built for today’s realities.

And while this might sound grim, something powerful has happened in the midst of it.

A collective acknowledgment has emerged: the understanding that we cannot continue to pile new expectations onto an outdated model or contort ourselves to make old systems work. The cracks have become too visible. The stakes too high. The opportunities too immense. 

Across the country, there is a growing willingness to step back, look honestly at the systems we’ve been anchored to for generations, and say, “This must change, and we are ready for something different.” It’s incumbent upon us to lean in and ensure this is done well and aligns with what youth need to thrive in life, work, and citizenship.

Why This Work Is Personal

For both of us, this journey is not only professional—it’s deeply personal. We have kids in high school. We have family members who teach. We see firsthand what’s working and what’s weighing heavily on young people and educators. Through our work with more than 40 district partners this year, we’ve heard similar stories again and again of learners wanting relevance and purpose, teachers craving coherence and support, and leaders eager to build something that actually fits this moment.

This year reminded us that our values aren’t abstract ideals. They’re about real people we love and real communities counting on the promise of public education.

Despite the challenges, the work happening across the country is nothing short of extraordinary.

Leaders Across the Country Stepping Into the Future

In February, we co-facilitated a convening, Designing the Future of Public Education, to learn, share, and collaboratively design the future of public education. These leaders highlighted a willingness to do things differently and showcased Bright Spots of what’s possible when courage and curiosity take center stage.

And in December, an interdisciplinary group of technologists, youth experts, system leaders, and health experts came together to design H3 models that build the skills for youth to thrive in life, work, and citizenship in the Age of AI. It was both inspiring and enlightening to see what’s possible and reinforced that the future of education can and should be redesigned. More to come on these models and what’s next in the new year!

Redesigning Assessment & Reporting Systems

Districts are committed to fundamentally rethinking how we understand learning. Together, we redesigned assessment and reporting systems to align with the skills and mindsets learners need, not just the ones that are easy to measure. These systems are creating space for growth, reflection, and meaningful evidence of learning.

Rethinking Technology and AI-Native Learning

As AI reshapes every aspect of how we learn and work, our team partnered with educators to reimagine the role of technology as an integrated, learner-centered resource. We continued developing AI-native curriculum, guidance, and resources that empower teachers and keep humans at the heart of learning.

Learner-Centered Collaborative created our own learner-centered AI tool alongside America Succeeds. The Durable Skills Learning Experience Accelerator App helps educators integrate durable skills into lessons, and it’s one of our favorite tools we created this year.

High Schools Undergoing Bold Redesign

Many are thinking about redesigning schools and what it means to be educated in the age of AI. It’s critical for communities to come together to reflect on what has worked, what needs to be let go, and what is possible. 

We’re honored to be selected as part of the California Secondary School Redesign Pilot Program. We will work with 11 districts to elevate effective practices, support the design of new learning models, and elevate policy and practice implications to scale redesign across the state. This work is timely and essential. Students deserve learning environments that help them discover who they are, what they care about, and how they can contribute. 

Our Commitment to Communities Across the Country

Public schools remain one of the most important pillars of our nation’s future. Their success is inseparable from the success of our democracy, our workforce, and our collective well-being.

Yes, the challenges ahead are real. But so is our optimism.

We are committed to partnering with communities to redesign public education so that every learner knows who they are, thrives in their community, and engages in the world as their best selves. This year was proof that when educators, leaders, families, and students come together with purpose and imagination, true transformation is not only possible—it’s already happening.

Thank you to every partner, educator, learner, and leader who walked alongside us this year. Our momentum is real, and the future we are building together is even brighter.

Here’s to the work behind us and the promise ahead.

Is your district ready to walk alongside us and build a brighter future? Let’s chat about opportunities for partnerships in 2026!