For the past 20 years, the Speak Up Research Project has annually reported on the authentic views of over 5 million K-12 students (as well as their parents and educators) on new learning models and their preferences for learning experiences. Understanding the trajectory of this research over the past 20 years provides critical context for today’s discussions about how to effectively address the student engagement crisis, support students’ social-emotional health and build appropriate scaffolding to support emerging technologies like AI. Using a specially curated collection of video clips of students talking about their ideas for what constitutes an effective and engaging learning environment, we will explore our own assumptions around the purpose of learning today, and tackle what is needed to transform school to meet students’ needs today. Participants will also gain access to new research about Free Agent Learning and the potential impact of this phenomenon on school relevancy.