The PISA 2025 U.S. math scores are out, and point to more work needed around instructional approaches in order to get the most out our investments in high-quality curriculum. Learn more about the five shifts that Modern Classrooms Project identified through our 2025-2026 field observations.

Susan Russell’s middle school science class in Shelby County Public Schools uses a combination of routines and structures to build classroom community while self-pacing.

In Heather Fellers’s high school class in Portland School District, she supports English Language Learners as they move from the newcomer class to mainstream education. The structure of her class is set up to support students in developing the language skills and academic strategies that will help them be successful in her class and beyond.

Explore Toni-Ann Young’s 4th grade math classroom in Durham Public Schools and learn how she structures student groups to support learning, collaboration, and leadership.

Explore Amy Bracher’s high school science class and learn how her setup allows her to correct misunderstandings in real time.

What happens when a district prioritizes personalized learning and school leadership support educator collaboration? You get a 6th grade team that works together to build out the necessary supports to meet the needs of every student.