The GSV Big 10: Educated Women, Dumber Kids & a LEGO Dynasty
The GSV Big 10: Educated Women, Dumber Kids & a LEGO Dynasty
Here's your weekly coverage corner for the top 10 stories, insights, and major plays in education and upskilling.
#1 Chinaâs Universities Rise in World Rankings as American Schools Continue to Falter
Yet another data point for China's ascension on the global stage. If you want to own the future of the knowledge economy, you have to have the smartest people, so universities are a strategic bet. If the US doesn't buff up its educational priorities, the global center of innovation will inevitably shift eastward.Â
#2 Lego Owner to Acquire Education-Technology Firm Brainpop for $875m
Lego isn't just building with bricks anymoreâthey're building with companies. The "original teacher" for many children, Lego has been a leader in learning by doing since day one. As Lego continues to expand, buying Brainpopâand its annual audience of 25 million childrenâis a "no-brainer."
#3 ACT Scores Fall to Lowest Level In 30 Years
It's not that you're just getting older; kids just might be getting dumber... kidding! All jokes aside, we've addressed the topic that our country needs a better "test score system." Regardless of that need, this data is troubling. Â
#4 Vista Equity Partners to acquire cybersecurity company KnowBe4 for $4.6B
Who else has gotten a suspicious text from their boss asking them to buy gift cards? It's not just you. Criminals are going mobile because that's where the money is. But as we know, problems create opportunities, and Vista Equity Partners sees an opportunity in KnowBe4.
#5 The Economy That Just Wonât Quit: Why Jobs Keep Getting Created
Sixty million people changed jobs last year. Those job switchers got a 9% raise, while job stayers got a mere 5% raise. Corporate learning whisperer Josh Bersin came out with his update on "where the jobs are."
#6 Boys left behind: Education gender gaps across the US
POW! The power of women is in full force. Brookings' most recent study shows that women have leapfrogged men in getting bachelor's degrees. The significance of what this means for our next world leaders is profound...and powerful.Â
#7 Meet the Powerful Lobby Behind Homeschooling (Video)
As the Virginia gubernatorial election showed, parents want a voice in their children's education. Alternative schooling is hot, and with somber educational results plus political discord, it's no surprise why.Â
#8 Study: $190B in ESSER funds âinsufficientâ to curb learning loss
They say money doesn't buy happiness. Apparently, it doesn't buy better educational results either. Part of the problem is philosophical; part of the problem is economical. Either way, we must find a better way to educate ALL children.
#9 Opinion: Itâs time for employers to stop caring so much about college degrees
There's an upset happening to the antiquated college education system many of us experiencedâemployers are prioritizing skills over pedigrees. They're looking for knowledge over college and finding talent wherever possible.
#10 Pearson now a âgrowth stockâ as it bids to be digital-first education groupÂ
You can't spell media without education...or without "ed," at least. And Pearson's new CEO, Andy Bird from Disney, is bringing media and storytelling chops to a 178-year-old business through textbook innovation. That's an opportunity.