Wicked problems are just as they sound.

Wicked.

They are a tangled mess, with no known beginning or end, no known solution. Often the simple act of correcting one wicked problem will bring to life a whole new set of issues. Governments, corporations and non-profits are facing these problems every day. Wisconsin schools are no exception!

When left unsolved wicked problems affect the lives of students, families, educators and communities. The top five wicked problems you will find affecting Wisconsin schools:

• Alienation of students
• An unsustainable financial model
• Growing competition
• Rapid technological change
• Comfort with school as we know it

These wicked problems are not limited to the CESA 6 region. These issues challenge schools across the nation. Students are unsatisfied. In fact, the top reason cited for dropping out of school: boredom.

Next Generation Schools are designed to overcome these challenges by providing a new student learning experience and a sustainable business model.

Wicked Problem [wik-id prob-luh m] –s

1. a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize.
2. a tangle of interactions
3. a set of interconnected forces that operate on each other in a variety of ways and in varying strengths