Keeping High Schools Relevant in a Global, Innovative and Tech Ubiquitous Society

Abstract

With the onset of COVID-19 and game-changes like ubiquitous technology, artificial intelligence and global economies, public high schools are challenged to provide a new level of education. In order for the United States and other countries to compete on a global scale, school leaders need to reevaluate and redesign educational programs to provide students the exposure and experience needed to become globally competent competitors. This collective case study examined the knowledge of educators ranging from school leaders to teachers in regards to the predicted global megatrends, the future 2030 workforce, game-changing technology and the impact at three public high schools. The study examined how the process of change was implemented, how each school addressed challenges and barriers, and to what degree each school was able to transition to an online environment during the unexpected 2020 COVID-19 shutdown.

The study design incorporated a mixed method case study approach. The information collected consisted of school leader and teacher interviews, as well as review of artifacts, documents and data. The researchers concluded that school transformation needs to start with an understanding of the future workforce and potential megatrends. Most importantly, schools must take action regardless of the challenges and barriers before them.