The Future of Education

Fixing College and Career Guidance for Parents, Students, and Schools

Career guidance

As college costs rise and the pressure to pick a successful career path intensifies, families are struggling to navigate an increasingly complex system with inadequate support. Nationally, the average student-to-counselor ratio is 376:1—far from the recommended 250:1—leaving many students and parents adrift at a critical decision-making moment. Meanwhile, a study found more than 50%…

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Latest

Articles
Helping Employers Move Beyond Degrees in Favour of Skills-First Hiring

As employers grapple with persistent talent shortages, the traditional requirement of a four-year degree is being challenged. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business School shows that more employers now demand four-year degrees for jobs that historically didn’t require them—despite minimal evidence of improved performance. As a result, they narrow the talent pool…

Read More
Articles
Mesa’s Team Teaching Model Tackles Teacher Shortage and Accelerates Learning

Amid a nationwide teacher shortage and growing calls to rethink traditional education structures, Mesa Public Schools in Arizona is pioneering a model that could reshape the future of the classroom: team teaching. At a time when 74% of U.S. public schools report difficulty filling teaching positions, Mesa’s innovative approach—emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and personalization—offers a…

Read More
Articles
Preparing Students for the Real World: Why Career Education, Not College, May Be the Answer

Amid a nationwide reassessment of the “college-for-all” mindset, data reveals that millions of young adults in the U.S. are neither in school nor working—a staggering signal that our traditional education pathways may not be serving all learners. With rising tuition costs, high dropout rates, and a rapidly evolving job market, education leaders are urgently…

Read More
Articles
The Future of AI in Education Starts with Empowering Teachers

Teachers are overburdened, overwhelmed, and often under-supported. Take the school year of 2022-23 for example — During the year, the average K–12 educator was found to juggle a whopping 49 digital tools. This digital overload, compounded by post-COVID challenges, has not only tethered teachers to their desks but eroded the essential human connection in…

Read More
Articles
Building a Thriving Microschool Community in Los Angeles

As traditional schooling models continue to face scrutiny, a growing number of parents and educators are opting out of conventional systems in favor of more personalized learning experiences. Microschools—small, flexible, learner-centered environments—are gaining traction nationwide, even in states like California where public funding avenues like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are limited. The growing movement…

Read More
Articles
Tackling All That K-12 Schools Try to Do: The Solutions

As public confidence in major institutions continues to erode, the American K–12 education system finds itself straining under the weight of legacy expectations and modern demands. From grading and college recommendations to extracurriculars and character development, K-12 schools are tasked with a near-impossible mission: to do it all, for everyone. At the same time,…

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Latest

CHIME
Mari Savickis with CHIME
April 15, 2025

Mari Savickis, VP of Public Policy for CHIME, joins Panda Perspectives live from the VIVE show floor to break down how shifting federal priorities and political uncertainty are impacting digital health progress. As a longtime healthcare policy expert, Mari offers a behind-the-scenes look at how providers are reacting to rapid changes in Washington, highlighting how…

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ochsner health
Charlotte Piper with Ochsner Health
April 15, 2025

Charlotte Piper, Assistant Vice President of Ochsner Ventures, joins Panda Perspectives to explore how Ochsner Health is leveraging innovation, strategic investment, and deep collaboration to drive real change in healthcare. With a mission to create new value—financial and operational—for the health system, Charlotte shares how her team works across partnerships, internal ventures, and digital transformation…

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dartmouth health
Sam Shields with Dartmouth Health
April 15, 2025

Sam Shields, System VP of Strategy and Regional Operations at Dartmouth Health, joins Panda Perspectives to discuss how the academic health system is navigating digital transformation in a rural setting. With a recently completed strategic plan, Dartmouth is focused on enhancing care for its aging population through innovative models, AI governance, and robust telehealth infrastructure….

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retention
Hiring for Values, Investing in Mentorship, and Leveraging Tech Boosts Retention and Workforce Stability in the HVAC Industry
April 15, 2025

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry is experiencing significant growth, with the U.S. market projected to reach over $32 billion in 2024 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2024 and 2030. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient systems, advancements in smart technologies, and…

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Latest Class Disrupted

K-12 school
Articles
Tackling All That K-12 Schools Try to Do: The Solutions
March 31, 2025

As public confidence in major institutions continues to erode, the American K–12 education system finds itself straining under the weight of legacy expectations and modern demands. From grading and college recommendations to extracurriculars and character development, K-12 schools are tasked with a near-impossible mission: to do it all, for everyone. At the same time,…

Read More
What K-12 Education Tries to Do—And Where It Misses

As America reevaluates what its public schools are truly for, new questions emerge about the purpose, performance, and priorities of K–12 education. A system once centered around teaching the “three Rs” now juggles responsibilities as diverse as social services, values instruction, and community governance. Yet, despite these ambitions, a growing chorus of education experts…

Read More
Cut Costs, Not Corners for the Future of Higher Education: Redirect Focus to Student Achievement

The landscape of higher education has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate in recent years. The rising costs of tuition, the ballooning of administrative overhead, and questions about the real value of a college degree have sparked a vital conversation about the future of higher education.  This has sparked discussions among educators,…

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Bold Measures are Needed to Improve Investment in Higher Education

The stakes for higher education have never been higher as the educational landscape sees rapid evolution. As universities and colleges grapple with the dual challenges of technological disruption and increasing demands for accessible, quality education, the question of how best to implement investment in higher education becomes a priority. This debate has been ignited…

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human first
Class Disrupted
Human First: Redefining Intelligence and Self-Actualization in Education
February 12, 2024

How can education evolve to prioritize human potential and self-actualization over standardized results? In the latest episode of “The Future of Education: Class Disrupted,” hosts Michael B. Horn and Diane Tavenner, along with their esteemed guest Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a Cognitive Scientist, Podcaster, Author, and Coach, explore the transformative power of viewing education…

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Beyond the Acronym: Exploring the Depth of DEI

The world is increasingly driven by the quest for equality and understanding, and the realms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become more than just buzzwords; they have emerged as pivotal elements in shaping the future of education. Yet, as these concepts gain prominence, they also encounter resistance and misinterpretation, leading to polarized…

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Is Apprenticeship the Key to Bridging the Experience Gap in Education?

Apprenticeship could be the perfect solution to moving the needle and bridging the experience gap in education. As education stands at a crossroads between educational reform and workforce development, how can apprenticeship programs revolutionize the approach to equipping the next generation for the evolving job market? In an insightful episode of The Future of…

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Recapping Education in an Era of Disruptive Innovations: Navigating the Tides of Change in Education

As the world of education continues to evolve, one critical question emerges: How can disruptive innovations reshape our understanding of success and the role of education? This pivotal inquiry sets the stage for the latest episode of “The Future of Education: Class Disrupted,” hosted by Michael B. Horn and Diane Tavenner. In this episode,…

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advancing teaching
Class Disrupted
Advancing Teaching: Reshaping Education in a Post-Pandemic World
December 4, 2023

What approaches must education take in advancing teaching in a post-pandemic world? How can traditional education reshape itself to include a more dynamic, skills-based learning approach? As educational paradigms shift towards nurturing adaptability and critical thinking, leaders in the field are poised to redefine the learning framework to prepare students for a rapidly evolving…

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The Growth of AI in Education Offers Students an Alternative Educational Path

On the latest episode of “The Future of Education: Class Disrupted,” hosts Michael Horn and Diane Tavenner take a deep look into the rapid growth and advancements of AI in education and its implications for education. To better understand how AI is making change with students and in general, the two interviewed Irhum Shafkat,…

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How do Americans Define Success?

How do Americans define success? That’s a loaded question, and one guaranteed to illicit multiple answers depending on who answers it and under what context. Recently, the traditional view of success, often interlinked with higher education and subsequent white-collar employment, has been scrutinized. A growing discourse suggests that success might have a more nuanced…

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Bridging Purpose with Education: A Novel Approach to Student Fulfillment Post-High School

Today, the traditional educational paradigm is being questioned and reevaluated, and the quest for a more holistic, purpose-driven, novel approach to student fulfillment post-high school is gaining traction. As employers find it challenging to secure passionate, productive employees, the essence of guiding students toward a fulfilling life post-high school has never been more pressing….

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Latest FAQs

Personalized Learning
Education & EdTech
Research Supports Personalized Learning’s Potential. Experts Say Not to Launch it Prematurely in Students’ Education.
May 1, 2023

The debate around personalized learning in education has been gaining traction in recent years. A recent survey from consulting firm Tyton Partners shows parents are increasingly advocating to “direct and tailor” their K-12 students’ education experience. As schools look for ways to engage students and improve learning outcomes, the focus has turned towards understanding the…

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Reinventing Education to Help with Student Behavioral Issues

A recent School Pulse Panel study revealed a concerning trend in U.S. education today, student behavior. The data within the study suggests schools are facing substantial behavioral challenges post-pandemic, and they feel they need more strategies to address them. Educator, Author, and Host of The Future of Education, Michael B Horn, said that when he…

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Latest Podcast Epis.

Career guidance
Articles
Fixing College and Career Guidance for Parents, Students, and Schools
April 14, 2025

As college costs rise and the pressure to pick a successful career path intensifies, families are struggling to navigate an increasingly complex system with inadequate support. Nationally, the average student-to-counselor ratio is 376:1—far from the recommended 250:1—leaving many students and parents adrift at a critical decision-making moment. Meanwhile, a study found more than 50%…

Read More
Helping Employers Move Beyond Degrees in Favour of Skills-First Hiring

As employers grapple with persistent talent shortages, the traditional requirement of a four-year degree is being challenged. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business School shows that more employers now demand four-year degrees for jobs that historically didn’t require them—despite minimal evidence of improved performance. As a result, they narrow the talent pool…

Read More
Mesa’s Team Teaching Model Tackles Teacher Shortage and Accelerates Learning

Amid a nationwide teacher shortage and growing calls to rethink traditional education structures, Mesa Public Schools in Arizona is pioneering a model that could reshape the future of the classroom: team teaching. At a time when 74% of U.S. public schools report difficulty filling teaching positions, Mesa’s innovative approach—emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and personalization—offers a…

Read More
Preparing Students for the Real World: Why Career Education, Not College, May Be the Answer

Amid a nationwide reassessment of the “college-for-all” mindset, data reveals that millions of young adults in the U.S. are neither in school nor working—a staggering signal that our traditional education pathways may not be serving all learners. With rising tuition costs, high dropout rates, and a rapidly evolving job market, education leaders are urgently…

Read More
Articles
The Future of AI in Education Starts with Empowering Teachers
April 4, 2025

Teachers are overburdened, overwhelmed, and often under-supported. Take the school year of 2022-23 for example — During the year, the average K–12 educator was found to juggle a whopping 49 digital tools. This digital overload, compounded by post-COVID challenges, has not only tethered teachers to their desks but eroded the essential human connection in…

Read More
Building a Thriving Microschool Community in Los Angeles

As traditional schooling models continue to face scrutiny, a growing number of parents and educators are opting out of conventional systems in favor of more personalized learning experiences. Microschools—small, flexible, learner-centered environments—are gaining traction nationwide, even in states like California where public funding avenues like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are limited. The growing movement…

Read More
With ESA Demand Outpacing Supply, How Can Utah Expand Microschool Access?

Across the country, education savings accounts (ESAs) are reshaping how families think about schooling—but in Utah, surging demand is outpacing available options. Last year, roughly 27,000 students applied for Utah’s ESA program, but only 10,000 scholarships were available. While parental interest in alternative education is booming, a new bottleneck is emerging: the supply of…

Read More
How School Districts Can Pay Vendors Based on Student Outcomes

As school districts face growing pressure to spend limited funds wisely and show measurable returns on investment, a bold new model is gaining traction: paying vendors based on student outcomes rather than services rendered. With the end of ESSER funding and increased scrutiny from school boards, districts are seeking ways to ensure that every…

Read More
The 2hr Learning Model
Articles
Changing the Classroom Paradigm: Academic Success and Life Skill Development with the 2Hr Learning Model
May 17, 2024

In an era where traditional schooling often fails to ignite students’ passions, the innovative 2hr Learning Model proposed by Alpha represents a significant shift in educational paradigms. This approach is not just timely but essential, as the quest for efficient and engaging education systems becomes more urgent in the face of global educational disparities….

Read More
Reevaluate IDRs to Ensure Equitable Student Aid and System Durability

As the burden of student loans continues to be a pressing issue for millions of Americans, the discourse around sustainable repayment options has intensified. Studies, including one by The Pew Charitable Trusts, highlight how income-driven repayment plans (IDRs), while designed to alleviate financial strain, might paradoxically lead to increased loan delinquency rates due to…

Read More
Strict Online Education Regulations Could Derail the Future of Learning

In a time where over half of all students are taking at least one online course, the landscape of online education is at a pivotal juncture, reflecting a broader shift in how higher education adapts to technological advancements and regulatory scrutiny. The Department of Education is proposing ambitious regulatory changes that directly impact online…

Read More
Audio Learning is More Than Just an Alternative to Digital, But More Useful in Enhancing Education

Digital screens often dominate our lives and interactions even in schools, but the question of alternative, impactful ways of learning has become a major factor. Audio, which was long considered a secondary medium for education, is re-emerging as a powerful tool in shaping how we learn, think, and perceive the world. Studies have shown…

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Other The Future of Education
With ESA Demand Outpacing Supply, How Can Utah Expand Microschool Access?
March 28, 2025

Across the country, education savings accounts (ESAs) are reshaping how families think about schooling—but in Utah, surging demand is outpacing available options. Last year, roughly 27,000 students applied for Utah’s ESA program, but only 10,000 scholarships were available. While parental interest in alternative education is booming, a new bottleneck is emerging: the supply of…

Read More
What K-12 Education Tries to Do—And Where It Misses
March 26, 2025

As America reevaluates what its public schools are truly for, new questions emerge about the purpose, performance, and priorities of K–12 education. A system once centered around teaching the “three Rs” now juggles responsibilities as diverse as social services, values instruction, and community governance. Yet, despite these ambitions, a growing chorus of education experts…

Read More
How School Districts Can Pay Vendors Based on Student Outcomes
March 25, 2025

As school districts face growing pressure to spend limited funds wisely and show measurable returns on investment, a bold new model is gaining traction: paying vendors based on student outcomes rather than services rendered. With the end of ESSER funding and increased scrutiny from school boards, districts are seeking ways to ensure that every…

Read More
Changing the Classroom Paradigm: Academic Success and Life Skill Development with the 2Hr Learning Model
May 17, 2024

In an era where traditional schooling often fails to ignite students’ passions, the innovative 2hr Learning Model proposed by Alpha represents a significant shift in educational paradigms. This approach is not just timely but essential, as the quest for efficient and engaging education systems becomes more urgent in the face of global educational disparities….

Read More
Linking Education with Employment: How Aspire Ability is Fighting Underemployment in the Navajo Nation
May 15, 2024

The urgency of linking education with employment within the Navajo Nation is critical, given the levels of underemployment in the community. This has sparked discussions on how to effectively bridge these gaps to foster community development and individual growth. With communities still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, targeted educational initiatives that align with…

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Excellence in Action: Lessons from the 2023 Yass Prize Winner
May 14, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, innovative approaches that genuinely address current demands are invaluable. This has become particularly relevant as the educational sector grapples with the aftermath of global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a significant supply-demand imbalance in educational opportunities. The Yass Prize, with its focus on sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and…

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Reevaluate IDRs to Ensure Equitable Student Aid and System Durability
April 19, 2024

As the burden of student loans continues to be a pressing issue for millions of Americans, the discourse around sustainable repayment options has intensified. Studies, including one by The Pew Charitable Trusts, highlight how income-driven repayment plans (IDRs), while designed to alleviate financial strain, might paradoxically lead to increased loan delinquency rates due to…

Read More
Strict Online Education Regulations Could Derail the Future of Learning
April 17, 2024

In a time where over half of all students are taking at least one online course, the landscape of online education is at a pivotal juncture, reflecting a broader shift in how higher education adapts to technological advancements and regulatory scrutiny. The Department of Education is proposing ambitious regulatory changes that directly impact online…

Read More
Cut Costs, Not Corners for the Future of Higher Education: Redirect Focus to Student Achievement
April 15, 2024

The landscape of higher education has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate in recent years. The rising costs of tuition, the ballooning of administrative overhead, and questions about the real value of a college degree have sparked a vital conversation about the future of higher education.  This has sparked discussions among educators,…

Read More