The Agency curriculum equips students with the knowledge, character, and confidence to make wise choices, live with purpose, and contribute to their communities. Developed by Ian V. Rowe in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, it empowers students to cultivate agency—the force of free will guided by moral discernment—and take an active role in shaping their futures.
Agency is a 30-lesson curriculum designed for ninth-grade students but adaptable for learners across what Ian V. Rowe calls “the deciding decade” (ages 14–24). Through engaging discussions, real-world examples, and opportunities for reflection, students build the habits, values, and decision-making skills needed to exercise agency in their own lives.
Organized into seven flexible, self-contained units, the curriculum can be implemented as a full-year program or integrated into existing courses. Each lesson is designed for a 50-minute class period, allowing educators to adapt pacing and implementation to meet the needs of their students and school communities.
A visual overview of the curriculum framework, outlining key concepts, themes, and how each component connects to build student agency.
An introduction to the purpose and vision behind the curriculum, helping families understand its goals and how it supports student growth.
A shareable overview of the curriculum designed for school and district leaders considering implementation.