The Future of Education: Season 1

The 2hr Learning Model
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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….

idrs
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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…

online education regulations
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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…

Guy Raz on audio learning
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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…

Ryan Stowers discusses work and learning
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Current times continue to demonstrate that traditional educational paradigms are increasingly failing to meet the needs of a diverse and evolving workforce, which is now pivoting the conversation around reimagining how we develop talent more pertinent. The rise of digital transformation, coupled with a persistent skills gap, underscores a pressing need to overhaul the…

math education
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In recent years, a growing disconnect has emerged between traditional math education in schools and its real-world applications, particularly in relation to career readiness​. This gap has sparked intense debates, especially in states like California, where the push for a new math framework has led to what some are calling a “math war.” Amidst…

young minds
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As digital technology and social media permeate every aspect of our lives, the conversation surrounding their impact on education and young minds is more relevant than ever. As we find ourselves at the intersection of technological innovation and human development, the implications for our children’s mental health, identity formation, and social skills cannot be…

tutoring
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In recent years, the educational landscape has been significantly disrupted, first by the pandemic and now by the integration of new technologies and teaching methodologies. As we navigate this evolution, one age-old method, tutoring, has emerged at the forefront, albeit with a modern twist. This resurgence is driven by the stark realization that traditional…

career development
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of career development and education, a pressing question emerges: How can technology, particularly AI, revolutionize how individuals navigate their career paths and educational journeys? This question not only probes the potential of AI in enhancing career guidance but also underscores the urgency of addressing the vast, diverse career interests…

competency-based learning
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A critical examination of how universities prepare students for the job market marks the evolving landscape of higher education. Western Governors University (WGU) stands out in this changing terrain, committed to competency-based learning. This approach tightly aligns academic programs with the industry’s urgent demands, positioning WGU as a pioneer in connecting education and employment….

empowering futures
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Curt Ellis and Rob Harvey, co-CEOs of FoodCorps, are at the forefront of a transformative movement in school food education. They are focused on empowering futures through their innovative approach. Their mission intertwines the essential elements of health, joy, and empowerment, fundamentally recognizing the role of food not only as sustenance but as a…

strategic scheduling
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Author: Michael Horn Educational institutions today are facing a financial precipice, with declining enrollments and funding cuts. Many schools are struggling to adapt to these fiscal pressures, highlighting the need for transformative solutions. This scenario raises an urgent need for innovative strategies like strategic scheduling to manage resources efficiently. What innovative approaches can districts…

college career services
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In an era where students seek a tertiary education as their ticket to upward mobility, the narrative is being rigorously challenged, especially regarding the efficacy of college career services in aiding students to transition into the workforce. The stakes are high as countless first-generation students embark on a journey through higher education with the…

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Recently, workforce development has taken on a new urgency, given the widening economic divide and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. With the gig economy rising and traditional jobs evolving, there’s an increasing demand for skills training and personal development, especially among those facing systemic barriers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,…

Mapping AI’s role in education
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Mapping AI’s role in education should be a critical step in bringing together innovative technology-based solutions with the expertise of human educators. With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and an increased reliance on technology-driven educational solutions, the education landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation. AI promises highly personalized learning experiences, efficient administrative…

literacy for adolescents
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Literacy for adolescents in the United States needs to play catch up. Can online education help fill the gap? In recent years, the digital age has significantly shifted how education is delivered, especially in literacy. With the rise of online education, there’s an increasing need to address the literacy crisis affecting adolescents worldwide. A…

automated tools
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Automated tools in education allow teachers to focus on engagement with students in new ways. Technology integration in classrooms is nothing new, but since the pandemic, more automated tools are available for teachers than ever before. The focus is now on how automated tools can help teachers concentrate more on student engagement than administrative…

systems replacement in K-12 education
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Systems replacement in K-12 education isn’t an overhaul of an outdated model; it’s rethinking education for the next generation’s success and beyond. Why now? The future of K-12 education is poised to be revolutionized by disruptive innovations, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping a more personalized and flexible learning environment. Expect “blended learning”…

the power of theory
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The education landscape will never be the same since the global pandemic; perhaps that reality is fortunate. The shuttering of traditional classrooms forced parents and educators to explore alternative teaching and learning methods. One such way, homeschooling, has seen a significant surge, with a steady growth from 2% to 8% per year, rising exponentially…

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In the evolving landscape of corporate learning and development, innovative digital solutions have become paramount. With 44% of employees agreeing that they would switch jobs for better professional development opportunities, the stakes are higher than ever. The ability to continuously learn, reskill, and upskill is reshaping the future of work. In this era of rapid…

microschools and personalized learning
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When the pandemic happened, people had no choice but to look hard at education and how children learn in challenging environments and situations. The rapidly evolving education landscape, before, during, and since COVID-19,  generated a relevant conversation around microschools and personalized learning. Remote and hybrid learning challenges the traditional education model, leading to innovative…

Next-gen high school
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A seismic shift is occurring in the traditional education set to create a growing trend for the next-gen high school. Schools worldwide are exploring innovative educational frameworks designed to cater to the needs of the next generation, focusing on real-world applicability, technology, and personalized learning. The stakes are high, with the American education system grappling…

Student Playbook
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With the specter of unemployment and underemployment looming large over recent graduates, the topic of career success during and post-college has never been more pressing. The changing nature of work and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only amplified these concerns. The stakes are high, with more than 50% of recent college graduates being…

better pathways
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How many schools did you consider when deciding what college to attend, if you went that route? Twenty, ten, five, or two? Maybe you already knew the one you would attend from the start. But guess what? There are almost 4,000 schools, including branch campuses, where you can earn an undergraduate degree in the U.S….

pioneering approach
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In the wake of a global pandemic that has drastically altered the landscape of education, educators and institutions alike are exploring innovative methods of teaching and learning. Among the pioneering approach many educators are adopting, is the Khan World School, a unique initiative by Khan Academy in partnership with ASU Prep Digital. Their goal?…

Conducive to Learning
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The pandemic brought schooling into the American home for the first time in centuries, which has brought school quality to the forefront of American minds. Gallup reports that parents’ overall satisfaction is declining for the third year in a row; only 41% of parents were satisfied with their child’s schooling in 2022. Conversations about…

education standards
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The educational landscape is fraught with disruption, in more ways than one. For some, a shift caused by the pandemic allowed them to slow down and rethink how education should be delivered: one size does not fit all. As such, one educator is changing the game by teaching those with neurodivergence in a more flexible…

modern classroom approach
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Everyone knows it – education needs to change. Our educational landscape is outdated and antiquated. The current education system does not support students the way it needs to, and test scores and international rankings show that. So, how does our approach to classroom teaching need to adjust to modernity? The latest episode of the Future…

Teach For America
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Teach For America (TFA) started with an idea in 1989 by Wendy Kopp. The TFA formally launched in 1990 with a mission to provide all children in America with an excellent education. More than thirty-three years later, TFA is continually improving itself by expanding its network and resources with initiatives like TFA’s Reinvention Lab….

Autism Charter Schools
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Autism Charter Schools often have a specific curriculum designed to meet the needs of students with ASD. This curriculum may include therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), social skills training, and communication and sensory integration therapies. The schools may also provide occupational and speech therapy and assistive technology to help students learn. The…

education Innovation
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It can feel like online, virtual learning came about during the pandemic. For many, it was their first taste of online education. The truth is, it’s been around for years—decades even. Online education doesn’t look and feel the way it did back in those early internet days when virtual public education options were scarce….

alumni
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Alumni giving accounts for approximately 23% of fundraising for universities in the United States. People want to give to their alma mater if they are able, but what compels people to give is connection and a sense of goodwill. This connection can come from not only the university and the experiences of the alumni,…

improve student outcomes
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Learning in the 21st century means taking advantage of cutting-edge AI-enabled technology to positively impact education. Many companies today focus on bringing AI and computer vision technology to improve student outcomes. Even before the pandemic, companies like Carnegie Learning built solutions through digital platforms to bring technology forward in K-12 classrooms to help students…

sports education
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Most American colleges and high schools have sports teams. Even secondary schools and primary schools can offer some type of sport programming for their student body. But the culture surrounding sports education has created demanding requirements from parents and students. How are educators tackling the nature of the way sports education works in American…

implementation
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There are various types of teaching methods available for educators to pick and choose from. However, picking the one that not only works best for their students, but is also effective, is another factor to consider. Regarding the science of reading, which is a wide- ranging discipline inclusive of both reading and writing, there…

microschools
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Microschools have been around for a few decades, but their value rose during the pandemic. An Arizona-based organization, Black Mothers Forum, strives to give students of color opportunities that have eluded them through mainstream education channels. Arizona awarded the Black Mothers Forum micro school $3.5 million in 2021 to develop up to 50 additional…

standardized tests
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As California universities vote to remove standardized tests as a requirement for entry, the focus on traditional means of measurement, such as GPA, still remains popular. While supporters believe standardized testing can’t be replaced, opponents claim tests block real learning and holistic views of children’s performance. But in a world where the school system…

buying and selling of American education
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According to a Public School Review article by Kate Barrington from May 2022, the American public education system is not keeping up with the times and is facing many serious problems. Barrington addresses fifteen issues plaguing U.S. education, from lack of funding to challenges with technology and student mental health challenges. Susan Zelman, President…

student centered learning
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In the most recent episode of “The Future of Education“, host Michael Horn had a chat with Adam Newman and Christian Lehr, both executives at Tyton Partners, on student centered learning and the innovation within K-12 schooling. Newman and Lehr are additionally terrific authors of a series of research reports, “Choose to Learn”, a…

microschooling movement
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Homeschooling, charter schools, boarding schools, traditional schools, and private schools are all terms we are familiar with. But microschooling? Probably not. Microschools are typically made of mixed age groups and often contain 15 students or less with teachers serving in a more guide-based role to help students personalize their learning through projects and hands-on…

philanthropy
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Leading education in the twenty-first century takes not only a village, it takes the generosity and ingenuity of philanthropy. One organization striving to impact students profoundly and positively is The Overdeck Family Foundation. Overdeck was founded in 2011 by John and Laura Overdeck to provide all children the opportunity to unlock their full potential….

school bus
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Education has evolved phenomenally in recent years, but some structures around it need to catch up. Dated school bus operations are a significant sticking point in the education transformation. A nationwide school bus driver shortage is only compounding these challenges (Education Week). Even in traditional school schedules, students need to be able to get…

pedagogy
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Education expands and transforms when new ideas, methods, and practices occur in the classroom. Modern pedagogy incorporates strategies to enhance the overall education experience. Blended/ hybrid learning are two key elements that have recently contributed developing new pedagogy. With so much transformation in the education space, it can take time to see a clear…

Pierre
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In May of 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor approved the launch of four Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) by OpenClassrooms, a French-Based education-to-employment platform. These four programs (Data Analyst, Digital Marketer, Help Desk Technician, and Application (Software) Developer) will provide increased opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers and help employers fill crucial…

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Founded in 1988, the NCEE (National Center on Education and the Economy) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping states, districts, and schools discover, design, and lead high-performing education systems. The organization does this by studying school systems worldwide to gain insights into best practices and what does and does not work. The goal…

Class Disrupted

future of higher education
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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,…

Stacey Childress, Senior Advisor at McKinsey and Company, discusses higher ed
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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…

human first
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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…

Antonio Saunders talks about DEI
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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…

experience gap in education
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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…

disruptive innovations
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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,…

advancing teaching
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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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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,…

how do Americans define success
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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…

student fulfillment
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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….

FAQs with Michael Horn

Personalized Learning
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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…

reinventing education
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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…