Preparing Students for the Future

A rapidly changing workforce and increasing complexity demand a shift in how we prepare students for the future and how we support educators to better guide their students. The World Economic Forum states that the labor market values “uniquely human skills” such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Schools must be dynamic spaces where students become problem-solvers and engaged citizens, guided by educators who foster inclusive learning environments.

Elevate Student Choice and Agency

When students take ownership of their learning, they develop confidence, critical thinking, and leadership. At Ella Baker Global Studies and Humanities School, 4th graders reimagined their playground with World Savvy coaching. They interviewed classmates, including those with disabilities, to design a more inclusive space, transforming a treehouse into a ground-level playhouse. This student-led project fostered empathy and problem-solving.

Enhance Relevance in Learning

Connecting classroom content to real-world experiences makes learning meaningful. At Hanger Hall in North Carolina, students explored financial literacy through an inquiry-based project called Myself at 30. Using math, they projected future expenses and careers, demonstrating the practical applications of their education. Seeing learning’s impact fosters purpose and preparedness.

Boost Educator Skills

Supporting educators is key. Superintendent Jason Berg emphasizes, “World Savvy helps build the internal capacity to think beyond today and co-create a future with staff.” In Farmington Schools, this approach has sparked innovation, inspiring educators to integrate future-ready skills.

By empowering students and educators, we foster adaptability and curiosity—ensuring the next generation is ready to lead. World Savvy helps schools develop global competence, embedding essential skills into curriculum and culture. Learn more at www.worldsavvy.org.

Learning from the Future: Moving from What Is to What If?

In the second domain of effective leadership, according to Harvard Business School, one must forget the past and let go of practices that fuel the current system. Yet in education, we often look to the past for answers on how to navigate the future. 

In the April issue of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) Councilgram newsletter, World Savvy team members (KK Neimann, National Director of District & Strategic Initiatives, and Melanie Peterson-Nafziger, Professional Learning Facilitator) co-authored an article that encourages education leaders to think creatively and expansively about shaping the future of teaching and learning.

“While these ideas might feel impossible, we can derive value from what came before: 30 years ago, eliminating textbooks or teaching without a physical campus seemed preposterous. What is the next impossible dream?”

Read the article on page 12.

NYSCOSS is the primary membership organization in New York for school superintendents.

About World Savvy

World Savvy is an organization that partners with schools and districts to reimagine education and create more inclusive, student-centered, and future-ready learning communities. We are continuing to expand our work across the country. Connect us with a school or learn more about our school partnership opportunities.

Iterative Learning: Why Our Schools Need to Abandon Compliance

The workforce that students are preparing for is changing at an unprecedented pace and will only continue to do so. The shift towards a competency-based education model is imperative, especially one that equips students with the essential skills needed to prepare them for a complex, ever-changing world.

This is what World Savvy’s CEO and Co-founder, Dana Mortenson, advocates for in a recent article, “Iterative Learning: Why Our Schools Need to Abandon Compliance,” which appeared in District Administration, a K-12 education publication. She explains how moving to a model of education focused on competencies will empower students to learn and re-learn for the rest of their lives.

Read the article here.

District Administration is a leading K-12 education publication for school district leaders that covers topics in edtech, staffing, leadership, analysis, and thought leadership.

About World Savvy

At World Savvy, we partner holistically with schools to reimagine education and create more inclusive, student-centered, and future-ready learning communities. We do this by collaborating with schools to embed global competence–the skills, values, and behaviors that prepare young people to thrive in a more diverse, interconnected world–into their strategic vision, school environment, and teaching and learning practices. Connect us with a school or learn more about our school partnership opportunities.