Design

Goal
School design teams develop a transformative vision, create essential conditions, and build capacity to implement a Bold School Concept.
Phase Owner(s)
School design team, district transformation team

Embarking on the
Design Journey, Together

In this phase of the journey, each school design team will work with its community to develop a Bold School Concept that can guide meaningful change.

 

 

The Output: Your Bold School Concept
The Bold School Concept is the end product—the culmination of a series of strategic design efforts and decisions.

Creating the Conditions for Success

Schools begin this phase by analyzing the current state of their school, or of schools in their community, and building conviction around what’s possible for their students. Grounded in the XQ Design Principles and XQ Learner Outcomes, school teams engage in cycles of meaningful community engagement to develop a shared Bold School Concept. Throughout the process, teams reflect on existing conditions, align their vision, and lay the groundwork to turn their community- and research-driven vision into reality. They also seek inspiration by visiting innovative schools, whether virtually or in-person.

The Design Phase Journey

Phase:
Initiate

Districts and/or schools learn about high school transformation, build belief, and prepare for the journey ahead.

Key steps in this phase

  • Assembling the district transformation team and/or the school design team
  • Assessing readiness
  • Enlisting key community members
Phase:
Activate

Districts and/or schools kick off the work, build community support, and get energized to transform high school.

Key steps in this phase

  • Announcing a public commitment to high school transformation
  • Activating the community
  • Understanding the student experience (EOAA)

Phase:
Design

Schools explore transformation while developing their design concepts. Districts or partners offer guidance and support.

Key steps in this phase

  • Completing a series of design experiences
  • Conducting inspiration visits to other schools
  • Developing school concepts and proposals
Phase:
Implement

Schools pilot and scale their design concepts, with ongoing support from the district or partner.

Key steps in this phase

  • Piloting and prototyping
  • Launching full school model
  • Continuing to build community support
  • Building and evolving the model

Design Experience 1: Embrace the Challenge and the Work Ahead

 

Schools analyze their current state using the Educational Outcomes Audit and Analysis (EOAA) and School Readiness Assessment (SRA), connect insights to XQ Design Principles, and develop a Case for Change to guide their transformation. They leave with next steps for community engagement and inspiration visits.

View this step

Design Experience 2: Start to Develop a Bold School Concept

 

Schools use insights from community engagement and inspiration visits to shape their Transformative Vision. They draft a Model-at-a-Glance, deepen their understanding of XQ Design Principles and XQ Learner Outcomes, and prepare for community feedback.

View this step

Design Experience 3: Rethink the Learning Experience

 

Schools design student-centered learning experiences aligned with XQ Learner Outcomes and Competencies. They refine their designs through feedback and iteration to ensure they meet the needs of students and the broader community.

View this step

Design Experience 4: Imagine the Student Experience

 

Schools develop a day or week in the life and a four-year progression, illustrating how students will experience learning in their redesigned school.

View this step

Design Experience 5: Prepare for Implementation

 

Schools finalize their Bold School Concept, ensuring coherence across all elements. They prepare for panel presentations, share their vision, and align on next steps to move toward implementation.

View this step

Engage the Community

 

Between Design Experiences, schools socialize their Bold School Concept by engaging students, families, educators, and partners. Based on what they learn, they refine their design to ensure it reflects community needs.

View this step

Get Inspired by Innovative Schools

 

Schools explore high-impact school models and cutting-edge research to inform their vision.

View this step

Take the First Step

Next Step
Inspiration Visit
Let's go →