Next Generation Learning Community and What it is

My school is a Next Generation Learning Community which means it does things a little different than the traditional school. 

Next Generation Schools specifically on, technology, learning goals, Inquiry, On-going assessment, flexible grouping, learning pods, community building, classroom environment, and parents, families and community members. 

Technology- provided a tool for personalization, collaboration, accessing information and communication. 

Learning goals- are collaboratively set between students and teachers to create personalized learning paths that guide a student's learning progression in academic areas. 

Inquiry- is used to engage learners as researchers on topics that are based on curriculum, student curiosity, questions, and interests. 

On-going assessment- provides data that is utilized to make individualized instructional decisions.  

Flexible grouping- provides opportunities for individual, small group, and whole group instruction that meets the needs of individual learners. 

Learning Pods- are comprised of a team of teachers and students of multiple ages that work and learn together over multiple school years. 
-pods always consist of a mix of students not based on race, academics, or age range. 

Community building- produces a safe environment where students can feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas while communicating effectively and working well with students of different age ranges. 

Classroom environment- are flexible, comfortable and designed to meet individualized learning styles. 

Parents, families and community members- are an integral part of the learning process and are encouraged to be active participants in the students' education. 

Hopefully for those of you not in a Next Generation Learning environment this helps paint a picture of our goals and ideas :)