Over the course of six days in January 2010, leaders from within CESA 6 and throughout its member school districts came together to discuss the 'wicked problems' schools across Wisconsin are facing.

Wicked problems are commonly defined as complex, tightly woven and interdependent issues that frequently don't have known solutions. The top five wicked problems identified by CESA 6 educators included:

1. alienation of students
2. competition from private, alternative or online schools
3. technological changes outpacing changes in teaching
4. comfort in the known methods of learning
5. unsustainable financial model

These wicked problems prompted CESA 6 and its member schools to ask the question: What if we could redesign schools for the 21st Century?

The Plan

At the end of the six day session? The leaders from the CESA 6 region - now called the design team - issued a design paper detailing their vision for the next generation of public education.

The vision of Next Generation Schools is centered on creating a new student learning experience by engaging students, sustainably fund districts and more adequately address the needs of students, families and businesses.

To do this, the plan calls for development of:

1. a new model of innovative knowledge assessment, data and personalized planning
2. new, collaborative learning structures
3. a sustainable business model

Happening Now

To carry out the vision, the design team developing and reviewing pilot projects throughout the region around:

1. Learner Experience
2. Wrap-around Services
3. Financial, Governance, Ownership and Capacity Building