A 24-point Checklist for School Tours

💡 Schools can use level-adaptive software powered by AI to teach core academics.

If you knew me 20 years ago, you’d never guess I’d develop that point of view. As a child, I went to conventional public schools and loved them. Then, as a mom, I hated seeing my kids spend much time with TVs, phones, Xboxes, iPads . . . I planned for our children to do traditional school, rounded out by sports, friends, maybe a puppy–the classic things.

My mind started to open when I first set foot in a one-room schoolhouse in downtown Austin, where learners experienced a mix of software-based and human activities. In that colorful room, I discovered five things:

1. Students who use adaptive software for core academic instruction learn at the right level, so less time is wasted.
2. This setup can handle diversity–whether a learner is new to town, new to the English language, ahead or behind in math, or other variances.
3. Software can give students points, coins, or other feedback minute-by-minute to show them they are progressing. Steady progress feels great.
4. After core academic learning is complete, the rest of the day is freed up for projects, sports, or any other meaningful endeavors. Having time to develop excellence feels amazing.
5. Because its teachers have a non-instructional role, such a school can be small and mixed-ages, like a family. Creating a safe, nurturing environment is manageable.

Much to my surprise, after that day in Austin, I had one question: Where do we sign up?

Have you likewise seen a well-run Flex school (an in-person school that relies on software for academics) and had a similar realization? At first, many Flex programs were crummy–think dropout recovery centers in forlorn district alternative schools. But so much has changed since then. I’m betting that millions of parents like me will want their children in Flex-type schools as soon as they become available.

Fast-forward 20 years, and I’ve coached school leaders in the U.S., Brazil, Rwanda, Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore on how to set up Flex schools. I hope today’s free tool will be helpful to you. It’s a checklist of what to look for in a Flex model. Print out a copy to bring along when you tour a school or plan your own Flex school.

→ Checklist for School Tours

Have you also had a change of heart away from conventional classrooms and teaching to a model with adaptive software and areas of excellence? I’d love to hear from you. I’ve got a seat at my table for you, and I hope you’ll join me. I am convinced it’s going to get crowded.