School of the Future: Lessons in failure
How Microsoft's and Philadelphia's innovative school became an example of what not to do
By Meris Stansbury, Associate Editor
Read more by Meris StansburyWhen it opened its doors in 2006, Philadelphia's School of the Future (SOF) was touted as a high school that would revolutionize education: It would teach at-risk students critical 21st-century skills needed for college and the work force by emphasizing project-based learning, technology, and community involvement. But three years, three superintendents, four principals, and countless problems later, experts at a May 28 panel discussion hosted by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) agreed: The Microsoft-inspired project has been a failure so far. Key words: Microsoft School of the Future, philadelphia school district, education, technology, 21st century skills, microsoft Read more with registration.