First, they needed to socialize their ideas with the school board and create a board goal that would support their shift to this transformed learning environment.

FORBES: Transforming the System: One Student at a Time

Indeed, Common Core and competency-based learning should be a natural fit, as the former creates learning maps for students to master that can shift the emphasis from time to mastery of deeper learning.

FORBES: Could Competency-Based Learning Save the Common Core?

He had to get a slight tuneup at the local gas station, followed by a trial-by-fire experience learning how to shift gears on Atlanta's many hills.

CNN: This Week in iReport: Georgia floods, going car-free