A central challenge for education reformers is finding ways to promote the dramatic expansion of innovations that appear to be effective and scalable for students in danger of dropping out and for those who have dropped out. Reforms must encourage experimentation with new ways of preparing struggling students for whom effective models are few and largely untested. And, of course, they must do so in ways that are affordable and sustainable.

In May 2009, Jobs for the Future convened a working group of high school reformers who have been building new institutions and creating new mechanisms at the district, community, and state levels. This conference, Meeting the Invention Challenge, brought together individuals who have dedicated their careers to the success of students who need very different environments and supports than traditional high schools offer if they are to stay in school and learn at the level required for college and career success.

JFF produced a background paper for individuals who took part in the convening, and it has been revised to reflect the conversations that took place. The working group identified conditions that support the expansion of high-quality learning options—as well as challenges that stand in the way—and refined a set of guiding principles for federal action and strategy.