The GSV Big 10: Different Strokes...
E-Bikes & LLMs, Hooray for Hoosiers, and Fun on the Farm...
Chart of the Week:
The Big 10:
On E-Bikes and Generative AI | Inside Higher Ed
🤔🤔🤔 It is said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so I’m appropriately humbled. Yes, the analogy between E-Bikes and Generative AI is BRILLIANT. I do quibble with the implied conclusion because it’s about accelerating learning, not a way of effectively creating equity. Be that as it may, different strokes for different folks and Dorothy, we aren’t in Kansas anymore.
How one state revamped high school to reflect reality: Not everyone goes to college | The Hechinger Report
Different strokes for different folks, Part 2. Who would have thought the Hoosier State would be on the forefront of reimagining the future of high school? Confronting the facts of chronic absenteeism, and plummeting participation in post high school endeavors such as college and the military, Indiana got to work to design a new system that reflected modern realities. While it will undoubtedly evolve, aggressively finding ways to support all students’ pathways to succeed in life is the right idea.
Saving for College Once Felt Essential. Some Parents Are Rethinking Their
Different strokes for different folks, Part 3. Once thought to be a no-brainer for in the know parents who wanted to save for their children’s college, 529 plans aren’t an automatic decision anymore. The “three strikes and you’re out” factors of escalating tuition, crippling student debt and less certainty of guaranteed employment post-degree have all contributed 529’s being 86’d.
Massachusetts Teachers Demand New Wealth Tax | Jonathan Turley
It’s easy to go after the super wealthy because there are so few of them. So why not sock it to them with an additional wealth tax so more money could go to fund education? Obviously, there is a growing Robinhood movement in America but unfortunately, what has been shown over and over again, for successful education, it’s not about the money, it’s about the management and the motivation.
From Vouchers to Real Value: A Better Way to Use Education Tax Credits | Real Clear Education
The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) provides funds to support a variety of educational activity including private schools, tutoring, supplementary materials, counseling and mental health services. While the author who is a senior director of the National Parents Union Center for Policy and Action hates “coupons” for private schools, she loves having more money for additional resources for disadvantaged students. Think that’s uncontroversial.
Beware Graduate Programs Masquerading as “Professional” to Increase Student Debt | AEI
Generally, I’m pretty in line with AEI’s position on things but I’m not sure I agree with its support of the “One Big Beautiful Bill’s” position on graduate debt. While it’s obvious schools have taken advantage of students pursuing graduate degrees where there isn’t a compelling return on investment, it strikes me that it’s not the government’s job to protect people from themselves. Far better would it be to create more transparency between cost and potential benefit, and support students to thrive in their post graduate careers.
What’s Behind the Acquisition of ASU+GSV by the Owners of the Bett Show? | EdWeek
They spelled our name right, and we genuinely appreciate the attention. The essence of the combination of our ASU+GSV Summit with Bett is we saw the opportunity to accelerate our ambition to create a truly vibrant, global Edtech community. With over 100K participants from every corner on Earth, we believe our partnership will enhance our mission of providing everybody the opportunity to participate in the future by having access to high quality education.
Zohran Mamdani’s War on Charter Schools | Real Clear Education
Far be it from me to wade in to NYC Mayoral politics but if better education is your issue, Zohran is a word that rhymes and starts with “M”. Vehemently opposed to expanding Charter Schools in a system that spends $36K per student and has under 30% of its 8th graders proficient in math or reading, it would seem business as usual isn’t very “progressive”. Adding to that the Stanford study that showed the Big Apple’s students that were in Charters advanced materially compared to traditional public school students. It seems pretty clear New York needs more Eva Moscowitz’s and Ian Rowe’s, not fewer choices.
California Banned Legacy Admissions at Private Schools. Stanford Is Sticking With It | KQED
First, I’ll state I’m a huge fan of new Stanford University President Jonathan Levin (and his Dad, former Yale President and Coursera CEO Rick Levin). I’m also a huge fan and friend of new Stanford Athletic Director John Donahoe. Accordingly, I’m optimistic about the outlook for future life on the Farm. However, I’m not a fan of the influence of legacy and large donors to the admissions process. So it will be interesting to see how new management maneuvers to create an environment of excellence and meritocracy.
Lower Birth Rates Could Cause Enrollment Issues for Schools | EdSurge
I try to avoid cliches but “Demographics is Destiny” is one that truly captures a fundamental reality. American parents are having fewer kids and even with a $1,000 government gift to have a baby, I’m pretty sure that won’t move the needle. But it’s not just fewer potential students for public schools that is the problem, it’s that myriad other factors including chronic absenteeism, homeschool, and charter schools are draining the student body pool. What’s the answer? In my view, create a product that the customer (parents and students) loves.