The modularization of education is already beginning, as students complete online classes to fill in requirements that high schools don’t want to have to offer.
By offering opportunities for college credit, high schools can both give students growth opportunities that are prestigious and challenging, while also not having to worry about finding staff members to teach advanced courses.
As always it’s a game of narratives. On one hand, students get access to more opportunities. On another hand, funding moves away from schools requiring them to cut positions, and offer fewer resources in the building.
It’s both exciting and frightening as those with the resources to connect the dots, can piece together a web of learning opportunities that is likely superior to what would be offered within the confines of one building. But those without the resources to connect the dots are left in the building that is slowly being stripped of its funding.
I don’t think the push toward efficiency, modularization, and choice can be stopped. The narratives are too strong. The arguments in favor are simple: more opportunity at less cost. But the arguments against this modular learning model are nuanced, and harder to justify.
We will continue to see things that make education look more expansive, which on the whole is positive. But we will also see massive gaps where many students aren’t able to capitalize on the opportunities because it takes time and energy to piece it all together.