KnowledgeWorks Releases Third Edition of State Policy Framework for Personalized Learning

Education Policy Framework Outlines 8 Essential Conditions for Student-Centered Learning to Thrive

CINCINNATI, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KnowledgeWorks, a national leader in education transformation, today released the third edition of its State Policy Framework for Personalized Learning. Grounded in more than a decade of policy work and in partnership with more than 25 states across the country, the updated framework outlines eight essential state policy conditions for student-centered learning to thrive and provides state and local leaders with tools to get started on their implementation journey.

"At a time when communities across the country are striving to make public K-12 education meaningful to their young people and education oversight is increasingly shifting to states, this framework offers both a timely and practical response," said KnowledgeWorks senior director of state policy Jon Alfuth. "The framework's goal is to empower state leaders to act boldly and intentionally with a clear set of actions they can take as they reimagine the public education needs of their state."

The KnowledgeWorks' framework presents a vision for a transformed state policy environment based on the organization's deep understanding of what it takes to implement student-centered learning and offers tested paths forward. 

Key highlights of the third edition include:

Eight essential policy conditions for enabling student-centered learning environments
Examples of policies in action from states across the country
Policy and implementation strategies for both state and local education leaders
Curated resources for deeper exploration and support

KnowledgeWorks actively uses the eight conditions from the policy framework to support its state level work to advance personalized, competency-based learning.

"The framework guides how we work with states, helping us understand their needs and offer tailored supports and collaborative solutions," Alfuth notes.

In states like South Carolina, Kentucky and Montana the framework was used to craft policy guidance and implementation resources. In Nevada, the strategic partnership with KnowledgeWorks helped to set a bold vision for the future of education in the state and identify policy and implementation improvements that were needed to make that vision a reality.

"Collaborating with KnowledgeWorks on policy development to support and sustain learner-centered innovation has been critical for our learning community," said Jeanine Collins, co-founder and chief impact officer, Center for the Future of Learning in Nevada. "Their action planning approach laid the groundwork for creating our state's Portrait of a Learner, launching the Nevada Future of Learning Network and informing commission efforts that are now driving a ten-year plan for education in our state."

The first edition of the framework, released in 2015, was the first such resource created for the student-centered policy field and served as a foundational resource for forward-thinking policymakers. The second edition helped guide states in transforming their education systems. This third edition reflects the evolving education landscape and the growing demand for policies that are not only visionary but also actionable.

The framework answers that call by showing how policy has been put into practice and is driving real change in classrooms across the country.

"This tool is more than a policy manual, it's a catalyst for change," said Alfuth. "If you're ready to make your schools work better for all learners, your innovation journey starts here."

For more information or to download the framework, visit https://knowledgeworks.org/state-policy-framework/ 

Shelby Taylor
Director of Marketing and Communications
317.590.4460
[email protected]

SOURCE KnowledgeWorks Foundation