TRANSFORMING IS POSSIBLE
RETHINK YOUR HIGH SCHOOL WITH XQ TOOLS & RESOURCES
START
A CONVERSATION
”The First Class” is more than just a film—it's a catalyst for change, sparking conversations about the future of high school education. We’ve crafted a two-part Discussion Guide, tailored to help you achieve your specific goals and ambitions: • The General part of the Discussion Guide offers a starting point to explore Crosstown High's innovative approach to education with thought-provoking questions and discoveries about the transformative potential of reimagined high school experiences. • The Extended part of the Discussion Guide investigates how the six XQ Design Principles shape the design and innovation at Crosstown High. Reflect on scenes and themes from the film, and engage with questions tailored for specific roles within the high school ecosystem.
EDUCATORS IN LEADERSHIP
In the film, Principal Chris Terrill unifies the team at Crosstown around a bold vision, prioritizing student learning from day one with his unwavering dedication. Leaders shape every facet of their schools, from driving instructional leadership to establishing community and family partnerships. XQ’s tools and resources helped Crosstown and are also in use at other schools across the country. Discover how these resources will help you align a team around a shared mission and culture of high school transformation.
LEAD HIGH SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION
Innovative Schools
Explore how high school transformation is underway through the unique journeys of each XQ school and partnership. See firsthand how their approaches are shaped by XQ’s Design Principles and Learner Outcomes, empowering transformation.
District Readiness Assessment
Use this self-guided digital tool that helps district leaders/teams assess their current readiness conditions for high school transformation at scale and what it takes to succeed.
XQ Design Principles and Rubric
Determine how your school can achieve success through XQ’s six research-backed Design Principles, which are used in schools across the country, including Crosstown. The rubric helps school teams assess where they are on their journey to transformation.
EDUCATORS AND ASPIRING EDUCATORS
Science teacher Nikki Wallace believed projectbased learning would be a powerful way to deeply engage Crosstown students. But, this learning style didn’t involve the traditional science textbooks and quizzes students were used to. Many students didn’t believe they were really learning—until Nikki gave them part of a state test, and they easily excelled. Discover how you can bring more meaningful, engaged learning experiences to all students.
CRAFT MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Educator Project Plans
Learn how to create the rigorous, authentic learning experiences observed in the film. This guide includes outlines and templates so you can build successful projects to transform student learning.
XQ Learner Outcomes and Competencies
Create and implement interdisciplinary learning experiences focused on the essential knowledge and skills students need to navigate future challenges. The XQ Learner Outcomes and Competencies bring academic, cognitive, and social-emotional skills and knowledge together in an actionable framework
The XQ Xtra Newsletter
Read the latest insights, inspiration, and ideas driving real-world results at innovative high schools across the nation. Sign up and receive the XQ Xtra Newsletter delivered to your inbox.
POLICY MOVERS
“The First Class” shows how transformative change happens by forging dynamic partnerships. It may take various stakeholders across a spectrum of federal, state, and local policymaking bodies. These stakeholders are key to communicating the urgency for change, seeing what’s possible, and mobilizing a movement. Learn how to catalyze scalable change within the communities you serve and represent through XQ’s insights and expertise.
SHAPE HIGH SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION
Student Performance Framework
Discover how to change the traditional high school model to benefit all learners for college, career, and whatever the future holds. Move beyond the outdated system that equates learning with time spent in a classroom and explore new ways to define, capture, and certify student learning.
XQ Schools and Partners
Get inspired and learn about the various communities, partnerships, and school systems working with XQ. Then, take the lead by helping other communities join the movement to rethink high school and better prepare all learners for the needs of tomorrow.
The Future of Work
Read about how policy movers can ensure every high school better prepares students for the future of work. High schools must change—in your state and around the country. Check out key workforce and education statistics, including graduation rates and college enrollment and completion data.
FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES
The founders of Crosstown High wanted their school to meet the needs of Memphis, so they created a diverse team of community members from all walks of life to collaborate on the school’s design. XQ’s tools and resources will help your community transform the high school experience by creating authentic and rigorous learning for students.
Learn more about how XQ helps communities transform their high schools into more engaging and academically rigorous places that benefit all students.
ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY TO RETHINK HIGH SCHOOL
XQ’s Insights
Explore articles that delve into pressing questions about today’s high schools. Gain key insights to steer community discussions around how your schools can equip all students for college, career, and whatever the future may hold.
Stories of High School Transformation
Learn how educators, students, families, and community members collaborate on meaningful changes to improve the student learning experience in public high schools across the nation.
DC+XQ: Transforming a School District
Watch our video series following XQ's redesign process with the DC Public Schools. This partnership with the local community is making existing high schools more engaging and meaningful for all students.
STUDENTS
Educators and adults in the Memphis community knew they needed to give students a seat at the table during the design process to make a high school that’s more responsive to youth.
Use XQ’s student-centered resources and become an active participant in your high school transformation journey. These tools will help guide you along the way.
CREATE A STUDENTCENTERED CULTURE
The Youth Voice Toolkit
Become a change-maker for improving your high school experience. This kit helps students build agency, consensus, and capacity to become case-makers and instrumental voices for transforming high school.
Youth Voice Cards
Change the high school experience by making your voice heard. The Youth Voice Cards help you capture and amplify student voices through various topics and discussion points.
Ladder of Youth Participation
Collaborate with adults to create a school where student voice is at the center of decision-making. This resource outlines different levels of student participation, allowing students, educators, and school leaders to assess and improve youth engagement within their schools.