New Institute, New Model

Blackboard Inc. has helped establish a new institute to gather and share practice-driven guidance for education teachers.

A recent report presents a new model of student progression and plan of action proposed by a unique assembly of high-level stakeholders from K12, community colleges, and four-year institutions working toward increased high school and college graduation rates. The group was convened by the Blackboard Institute, a new research organization within education solutions provider Blackboard Inc., and called for a greater focus on expanding opportunities for dual enrollment in order to accelerate student progression.

The group stresses the importance of educating policymakers on K20 as a complex cycle of lifelong learning with many entry and exit points and multiple paths to student success — not just a linear progression from K12 to higher education. In this dynamic model of learning, dual enrollment, electronic student portfolios and early warning systems will play an important role, according to participants. At the top of the list: dual enrollment as a universal option in every state.