Publication: Charting a New Course for Education

Charting a
New Course for Education

Publication

August 19, 2025

By: Maria Crabtree, Jason Swanson, Katie King, Katherine Prince, Jeremiah-Anthony Righteous-Rogers

Topics: Future of Learning

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

This forecast helps education leaders and changemakers explore the changes that might unfold over the decade, primarily at the system level
Explore why today feels so different from the past, what’s driving changes in education and where we might be in 10 years
Get strategic considerations that represent key areas of focus during the coming structural transition to education systems

A forecast on the future of K-12 learning

In a time of rapid change and growing uncertainty, KnowledgeWorks’ latest forecast, Charting a New Course for Education, offers bold visions for the future of K-12 education in the U.S. This forward-looking report explores how education systems might evolve over the next decade and what leaders can start doing today to shape a more inclusive, learner-centered tomorrow.

Why today feels different from the past

The world is shifting in profound ways. From climate disruption and the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to growing social fragmentation, today’s challenges are reshaping how we live, work and learn.

What’s driving change in education

Explore how drivers of change might shape the future of learning:

Integrating with AI
Everyday disruptions
Eroding public institutions
The relevance gap

Where education could be headed

Jump into potential futures by exploring ways in which the future might unfold. What might the future of learning experiences and environments look like? What roles might learning providers play in new education structures? How might reshaped education systems be managed and funded?

How we can move forward

Education leaders and changemakers must reconsider many assumptions as they shape organizational priorities, revaluate critical skills, identify learning goals and develop strategies for providing each young person with meaningful learning experiences. Get the strategic advice education leaders need to face the coming structural transition.