Educational Dilemma: Rigor v Relevance
We argue about testing in the US, but the focus on and stakes related to testing is much higher in China and India where the tip of the human funnel is the 12th grade exam; to a large life options hang in the balance. In the US, there are lots…
Social Venture Capital Transforming India
EdReformer reporting from Hyderabad, India After serving as chief strategist for Revolution Living (the Steve Case company, no affiliation of Revolution Learning) and Patagonia, Vishal Vasishth returned to India to create an investment house that was a mixture of Goldman Sachs talent and Patagonia values. Song…
Long Travel Day to India
After 6, 7, and 8 hour flights, we’re in Hyderabad with full schedule of microfinance and education meetings and field trips planned for the next 10 days. I’ve been through five security screenings in the last 30 hours. Â Obvious increase in security for international flights.
Developments in Delaware
While updating RttT handicapping I missed important developments in Delaware. It’s an important story for several reasons. It’s a story of strong political leadership. Delaware elected a smart and aggressive governor that will see this through with an empowered Secretary with direct line authority (equivalent of mayoral control at the…
Belief + Acceleration + Effective Practice = Success
Paul Wezman changed my daughter’s life. Â He is an extraordinary teacher that in the mid-90’s was making full use of instructional technology. Â Here’s a note from him about the importance of our perceptions of what kids can do and the importance of effective instruction. Â He’s a middle school math teacher…
EdReformer goes to India
Tom and Katherine (our capable project manager) head to India tomorrow for a 10 day tour of schools from the bottom of the pyramid to the top. Â Stops will include Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Â We hope to share pictures, videos, and stories from teachers and school leaders. Â Contributions may…
Developments
Developments: Provost Academy launched a virtual high school in CO; Provost is an early example of 2nd gen content developed as learning objects A couple start-ups working around the big guys and developing high school elective content More evidence that charters work as outlined by James Merriman…
Parents Deserve Options
Wow, lots of hate for the parent trigger  from the ‘we know better’ bloggers on National Journal.  Here’s my take. What other service would survive for more than 5 years when more than half of the customers were dissatisfied? The only problem with the CA parent trigger is that…
The Final RttT Push (at least for Phase 1)
The mad scramble is on. Â Consultants and bureaucrats nationwide are putting the finishing touches on Race to the Top proposals this weekend. Â I’m sure a little last minute arm twisting is going on between state chiefs and district superintendents to get enough districts to opt-in to make state plans viable…
STEM Culture
The country’s first CTO, Aneesh Chopra, mentioned the President’s science and math initiative on his blog which includes a video of the president’s speech this week and showcases FIRST, the best STEM initiative in the US. At the 12 minute mark, President Obama recalls asking South Korea’s…