Transforming American Education: A Summary

On March 5, 2010 the U.S. Department of Education released a draft plan for the radical redesign and transformation of America’s educational system. The technology based changes began immediately, and are to be in place by 2020.


Education is America’s key to economic growth and prosperity and is critical for future competitiveness in the global economy. Two clear goals underlie the plan for change; the first being the drive to increase the percentage of graduates that hold two or four year degrees, from the current 39% to 60%; second, we must close the achievement gap of all students regardless of race or socioeconomic level. Additionally, we must accomplish these goals more efficiently and with fewer resources.

The key to this transformation is leveraging the educational process with technology. We must establish clear objectives and then redesign the delivery system to be the most efficient, effective and flexible educational system possible. The focus will be on five essential areas: learning; assessment; teaching; productivity; and infrastructure.

By using 24/7 broadband access for all teachers and learners, learning will become student focused, with facilitation, collaboration and monitoring done by teachers. Educators will have to become adept at online instruction.

Productivity goals are described in terms of a K-16 system, with the expectation that education will continue through the baccalaureate level. No longer will students be placed by age but rather by competence; pacing will be based on individual need; scheduling will be flexible to fit the individual student needs. To achieve success in this endeavor we must dramatically reduce the dropout rate.

To achieve these results, a revolutionary approach to teaching and learning will be required. This will mean that our most experienced and many highly capable teachers will not choose to make the transition. This will be a great loss to the culture of our schools. With less emphasis on class time and more emphasis on production, some students will feel a sense of detachment and loneliness. With this new and exciting transformation will come an entirely new and yet unknown set of obstacles for the youth of America.