The GSV Big 10: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
The "Steve Jobs of College Admissions", Devil Devices, and Ups and Downs in the Land of 10,000 Lakes…
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The Big 10:
The Guru Who Says He Can Get Your 11-Year-Old Into Harvard | WSJ
If Varsity Blues showed us anything, it’s that rich parents will do almost anything to advantage their children. Over the past three decades, applications to Ivy League schools have increased 5X yet the number of seats has stayed the same. 29-year-old Jamie Beaton a.k.a. “The Steve Jobs of College Admissions” has built a booming business riding those trends. Our spidey sense is telling us that some variables are about to change in that equation.
The False Promise of Device-Based Education | After Babel
The toxic combination of social media and smartphones is a major contributor to the mental health crisis we have going on in our schools. Banning devices from “Bell to Bell” has become increasingly popular with states like Virginia leading the charge. The concept of “digital wellness” is somewhat self-explanatory, but is about developing a healthy relationship with your devices. While digital technology isn’t the panacea for students to learn, it shouldn’t be the enemy either…like many things in life, it’s about striking the right balance.
What one state learned after a decade of free community college | The Hechinger Report
With the Volunteer state leading the way, there are now 36 states that offer free community college tuition. I believe a vibrant community college system is a cornerstone for a thriving society benefiting students, businesses, families, and government. A bit of a twist off former President of Harvard Derek Bok’s quote, “You think education is expensive, try ignorance”… While the investment is high in terms of dollars, the potential return for the community is massive.
How the mega-rich are throwing their financial heft into culture wars on college campuses | The Telegraph
Many of the wealthiest people attribute their successes to their college experience. Many of those same wealthy people are horrified by what’s taking place on campuses, especially around “freedom of speech” and respect for divergent views. The University of Austin is a prime example of money flowing not to one’s Alma mater but to what matters.
Will Missouri's sports betting amendment actually support education funding? | NPR
As they say, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em…Missouri has jumped into allowing sports betting. Another part of the argument is that people will place wagers whether we like it or not, so we might as well benefit the widows and children. I’m all for getting more money into schools for higher teachers’ salaries and resources, but I’m more than a little concerned about feeding the gambling epidemic that spreading across the country, especially with young men.
Motivating Students Who Have Some College but No Credential | Inside Higher Ed
There are nearly 40 million adults in America who have some college credit but no official credentials. StraighterLine came out last week with a white paper chock-full of data on what’s going on with students, dropouts, and universities. A key overriding trend is a growing belief that a college degree isn’t worth the time and cost. Moreover, less than 50% of the public trust academic institutions.
One of state’s largest charter schools is at war with regulators, on brink of collapse | The Minnesota Star Tribune
Charter schools are increasingly dying off in their birthplace – the state of Minnesota. This year alone, 9 of the existing 181 Charter Schools have closed. While it appears there are self-inflicted wounds at work, it’s a good reminder that structure alone isn’t a magic trick that miraculously creates great schools.
Study: AI-Assisted Tutoring Boosts Students’ Math Skills | The 74 Million
An AI-powered digital tutoring assistant designed by Stanford University researchers shows modest promise at improving students’ short-term performance in math, suggesting that the best use of artificial intelligence in virtual tutoring for now might be in supporting, not supplanting, human instructors. With the not-very creatively named “Tutor Co-Pilot”, students were 4% more likely to advance in math. So it’s not a matter of man versus machine, it’s man and machine…drink up!
Why More Students Are Choosing Microcredentials | Whiteboard Advisors
Cheaper, faster, and better is the formula for success in virtually every segment of business…and it’s happening in a big way in education. A growing number of young people are choosing micro-credentials as a faster and more affordable path to earning money in the workforce. Time is money – and money is money – and micro-credentials are taking share.
ICYMI: 🎙️ Ep 27 · Ben Nelson: Founder & CEO of Minerva | Ed on the Edge | Dash Media
Minerva founder and longtime friend Ben Nelson gives unique insights into the future of learning and technology. All from a 1 am interview in Taipei!
This Week’s People Moves
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Muskan Bharti: Microsoft ➡️ Coursera, Software Engineer II
Sarah Stern: Kira Learning ➡️ Bezos Academy, Senior Manager, Student Systems Program
Sophia Griffioen: WhiteSpace Solutions ➡️ LearnPro Group, People Partner
Hannah Papadopoulos: Lingumi ➡️ Novakid Inc, Education Lead, Novakid Jr
Varvara Alderman, MBA: RevLocal ➡️ EducationDynamics, Account Manager
LuAnn Carter: PowerSchool ➡️ Anthology Inc, Customer Success Manager