Schools of the Future, Part 1: Content and Curriculum


Attention: There is an updated edition available for this report.

Schools of the Future, Part 1

The school of the future supports 21st century learning through a transformation from teacher-led to student-led learning, an emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration, a wealth of technology and other tools to foster inquiry, and a physical space that supports all of the above.

Simba Information published a two-part series on schools of the future. Schools of the Future, Part 1: Content and Curriculum focuses on the changing curriculum and the shifting role of teachers and how those factors impact the demand for instructional materials.

Schools of the Future, Part 2: The Physical Space focuses on the changing learning environment, both for new school construction and the reuse of existing space to accommodate new ways of teaching and learning. 

Each report includes five case studies of school districts that are embracing school-of-the-future concepts and changing the way students learn today. Research in the reports draws on in-depth interviews with educators and administrators with cutting-edge school-of-the-future programs.

These reports are designed as reference guides for educational publishers and edtech companies, including product developers, marketers, and providers of education technology tools and devices, professional development resources, classroom furniture and educational equipment, curriculum development, and education content.



  • Executive Summary
  • Methodology
  • The School of the Future: An Introduction
    • What is the School of the Future?
      • A Move toward Student-Led Learning
      • Technology Supports Learning
      • A Comfortable and Collaborative Environment
      • Transformation in Teacher-Leadership
    • What is Driving the Changes?
    • Potential Challenges Ahead
    • A Fragmented Landscape of Change
  • Curriculum and Content
    • Table Future-Ready Learning: Selected Definitions
    • 21st Century Learning Models
      • Personalized Learning
      • Blended Learning
      • Hands-on Learning
      • Cross-Disciplinary and Multi-Age Learning
      • College, Career, and Community
    • Impact on Instructional Materials
      • Growth in Digital Resources
      • Kits and Components for Hands-on Learning
      • Free and Open-Source Materials
      • Assessments
    • Scheduling for 21st Century Learning
    • Educators' Changing Role
      • Impacts on Professional Learning
      • Hiring for Change
      • Role of the Librarian
  • Technology and Tools
    • A Digital Environment
      • Devices for All
      • Digital Content and Resources
    • Tech Tools For Schools of the Future
      • 3D printers
      • Robotics
      • Virtual and Augmented Reality
        • Table Definitions in Augmented and Virtual Reality
      • Gamification
      • Other Technologies to Watch
  • A Look Ahead
    • Developing a Vision
    • Seeking Inspiration
    • Generating Educator Enthusiasm
    • Focusing on Flexibility
    • Other Considerations
      • Grassroots Growth
      • Supporting Expansion
      • Guiding the Transition
      • Promoting Partnerships
      • Time Management
    • The Future
  • Case Studies
    • Salt Lake City's Innovations Early College High School: Personalized Learning Leads to Positive Outcomes
    • Albemarle County Schools: Grassroots Initiative Leads to District-wide Hands-on Learning Curriculum
    • South Fayette School District: School-to-Business Partnerships Foster Project-Based Learning
    • Evergreen Public Schools: Using Open-Source Math Resources in Lieu of a Commercial Core Program
    • Design Tech High School: Design Thinking as an Organization Principle

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