NC New Schools / Breakthrough Learning operates as a learning organization. We engage in continuous inquiry about our work in order to improve services that helps prepare all students to lead more successful, productive lives. By disseminating research publications about NC New Schools / Breakthrough Learning and the innovations occurring throughout our network, we aim to contribute to the knowledge base for educators, policymakers, non-education professionals, and community advocates.
Currently, we manage research projects in cooperation with the US Department of Education and the NC State Board of Education/Department of Public Instruction. These research projects have totaled more than $50 million over the past decade and include the design and delivery of evidence-based approaches to educational innovation that blend public education with higher education and the emerging economy.
Our latest white paper is a summary of two recent convenings on STEM education. The findings include a review of successful actions in STEM education, recommendations for future STEM programs and impl…
Abstract
Remote access technologies enable students to investigate science by utilizing scientific tools and communicating in real-time with scientists and researchers with only a computer and an Int…
National indicators suggest that traditional methods of educating students are diminishing the quality of education accessed while also leaving large swaths of students behind. Competition in the glob…
To increase the number of students graduating from high school who enroll and succeed in college, North Carolina has established the largest number of early college high schools (early colleges) in t…
Published in March 2015, these reports review the third year of the NC Rural Innovative Schools initiative.
Executive summary
Year 3 baseline report from the SERVE Center
NC New Schools has …
Competency-Based Learning
Genuine student-centered teaching and learning is at the heart of the education transformation advanced by NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning since it first started helpin…
The goal of this OSPrI study was to find and characterize “exemplar” inclusive STEM-focused schools, meaning schools that are non-selective and do not use demanding criteria for admission that req…
This report from the Institute for Public School Initiatives at the University of Texas at Austin references NC New Schools' work in developing the early college high school model, specifically the No…
The NC Pathways to Prosperity Leadership Council, chaired by Duke Energy Senior Vice President Jeff Corbett, is leading the state’s work in developing a seamless education to career pathway, in part…
On October 1, 2014, superintendents from more than half of North Carolina’s 115 districts and the presidents of most of the state’s 58 community colleges met in the same room to explore even m…
79 T.W. Alexander Dr., 4501 Research Commons
