K-12 education is facing its most significant “tipping point” in nearly a century. The accelerated rate of technological change is threatening the traditional structures, processes, and systems that have governed our nation’s school systems since the Industrial Revolution. Now, superintendents and educational leaders are seeking innovative solutions to answer their most difficult questions and transform their districts for the modern age. What can K-12 leaders learn from how the retail industry has embraced the digital revolution? How should superintendents and leaders approach the transformation of traditional classrooms to modern learning environments? Why does this change transcend the mere conversion from analog to digital and instead require the convergence of multiple components of the education system? These are just a few of the questions Dr. Shawn K. Smith answers in his latest book, The New Agenda. As a former Chief of Schools and educator who now consults school systems across the country, Dr. Smith shares the practical strategies and insights that have helped some of today’s most innovative minds advance the work of Digital Convergence—the fundamental movement to transform teaching and learning for the modern age. This book teaches educational leaders how • Think strategically about digital convergence • Identify the processes for building your strategic plan • Understand the interdependencies of learning management systems, digital content, and digital tools • Design and develop a digital ecosystem • Implement processes for writing a digital and/or blended curriculum • Develop short-term and long-range professional learning plans for all employees in a school district Despite its promise, technology has created significant challenges for K-12 leaders, who need new strategies to navigate its disruptive change. Whether you are struggling to evolve from the traditional classroom model or are preparing to engage in this important work, this is a must-read book that will forever change the way you think about twenty-first century education. "This is a must-read for every educational leader frustrated by the constraints of the traditional classroom and overwhelmed by the accelerating rate of technological change. It’s also a must-read for every leader seeking a new path forward. The New Agenda provides the lens for effective technology integration to overcome the status quo and meet the demands of today’s fast and ever-changing world.” Dr. Dallas Dance, Superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland “One of the nation’s most tech savvy superintendents” School News "Dr. Smith confirms what many of us have thought, but few have been so succinctly able to Our education system remains the last frontier in technology adoption—precisely because of the mental models, status quo, and complex dynamics that inhabit it. What Dr. Smith offers is a systematic process for shifting from the analog world to the digital one and therefore ensuring teachers and students capitalize on the promise of technology offered decades ago. Our students’ future success relies on this shift occurring.” Dr. Peter Gorman, President and CEO, Peter Gorman Leadership Associates Former Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Broad Prize Winner National Council on Digital Convergence "I recommend The New Agenda to any superintendent in search for a proven methodology to transform teaching and learning through technology and systemic redesign. As the author so aptly writes, ‘As a leader looking to transition your district to the modern learning environment, you face a status quo over a century in the making.’ Given the unprecedented level of resistance and calls for reform facing our leaders, we need an unprecedented solution. This book offers one.” Dr. David Richards, Superintendent, Fraser Public Schools, Michigan National Council on Digital Convergence, Chairman