Policy & advocacy

We support and advocate for policies that truly enable schools to meet the unique strengths and needs of each student.

We’re actively engaged in building capacity for innovative learning models, supporting demand, and creating space for new approaches to teaching and learning.

Policy makers and education leaders in a panel discussion for New Classrooms hosted event

Advancing a vision

For more than 100 years schooling has consisted of one teacher and 30 or so same-aged students all learning the same thing at the same time. Efforts to improve student outcomes, whether based on the adoption of standards, improved teacher quality, the use assessment and accountability, or other approaches, have left the current educational delivery model largely untouched.  

We believe it is time for new learning models to emerge that break free of the inherent constraints of the traditional educational delivery model. This requires the design and widespread adoption of new learning products and models that thoughtfully integrate the talents of teachers and the power of modern technologies so each and every student can thrive.

Photo of a person speaking into a microphone
New Classrooms CEO Joel Rose speaking to Iceberg Problem event attendee

Our key policy priorities


Building capacity

While transformative research and development (R&D) is what drives progress in industries such as healthcare, energy, and defense, it is notably absent in the K-12 sector. 

That’s why bold, new approaches to teaching and learning require thoughtful R&D focused on the design of innovative learning models that replace the use of traditional textbooks in schools. These models reimagine the use of classroom time, talent, and technology so teachers can meet the unique strengths and needs of each student.

How can Congress allocate R&D investment to reimagine school?
Find out.

Supporting demand

The mindsets, expectations, and norms that undergird the current delivery model have built up over decades and are difficult to change. School communities looking to challenge these structures by adopting innovative learning models need policies that give them the freedom, flexibility, and support to do so.

What can policymakers do to support school communities in their adoption of innovative learning models?
Learn about Math Innovation Zones.

Creating space in policy

Long-standing policies around grade-level focused summative assessments and grade-level instructional materials are examples of key barriers that discourage schools from embracing more innovative approaches to instruction.

We advocate for federal and state policies that create the conditions for forward-leaning schools to challenge existing norms and embrace the emergence of innovative solutions. 

2023 Federal and State Policy Agenda thumbnail
  • Accelerating the growth of the model provider sector
  • Shaping the future of innovative assessments
  • Strengthening accountability to enable innovation
118th Legislative Priorities
  • Invest in sustainable R&D for education
  • Create the space to reimagine education at the state and local level

Out of the Box

How Innovative Learning Models Can Transform K-12 Education

The Iceberg Problem

How Assessment and Accountability Policies Cause Learning Gaps in Math to Persist Below the Surface



Browse our papers

Innovative Learning Models

How can Congress allocate R&D investment to reimagine school?

Find out.

Math Innovation Zones

How can policymakers support the adoption of math innovation zones?

Learn more.

What policy levers will enable public education to better serve all students?

Find out.


How we’re engaging in policy & advocacy

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Thought leadership

Phi Delta Kappan

Events

The Iceberg Problem release event


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Join the dialogue and reimagine education.

Shape the Future of School

Innovation will shape the future of K-12 education.