EdTech
Education Technology is a multi-billion dollar sector of companies innovating in both software and hardware for teaching, learning, and running schools, districts, and state and federal education departments. We document some of the most essential technical innovations and companies that support learning, teaching and more.
Schools Avoid Going Deeper in Computer Science
Computer-related technology is increasingly driving the US economy, yet computer science education is scant in most American elementary and secondary school classrooms and the number of introductory and Advanced Placement courses in computer science has actually declined in the last five years, according to a report released this fall.
Pearson Releases White Paper on Common Core Specs
Pearson on Wednesday released a white paper developed to help guide U.S. education leaders as they develop large-scale summative assessments based on the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Equity in California Takes Hit Over Dropout Rates
California's black students are dropping out at a rate of 37%. If each dropout costs US$206,000, according to Michelle Rhee, then that's a lot of waste; never mind the poorer future they can expect.
Video: Aneesh Chopra at Ed Sector: "We Need Data"
U.S. CTO Aneesh Chopra noted at an Ed Sector event Tuesday that a continued emphasis on improving education is a key component of President Obama's innovation strategy, and data has a crucial role in this. He stressed the importance of building out the nation's digital infrastructure. "We can't have a conversation about the value of data if you can’t produce the data in the first place."
The Digital Learning Mantra for Success
According to Digital Learning Council's Gov. Jeb Bush: "Effective teaching is the most important factoring student success – digital learning does not change this. It will help teachers be even more effective. It can also extend the reach of effective teachers beyond their classroom."
Jim Shelton: Asst Dep Sec Innovation & Improvement, DOE
The Department of Education has asked for more funding to address the problem of dropout factories in America's urban centers, but it is not entirely clear that additional funding will be allotted, said Jim Shelton, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement, in a quick interview with edReformer this morning.
Open High Teacher to Receive President's Award
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Technology is the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics and science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. PAEMST is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and mathematics teachers from across the country.
Renee Lord: Adequate Funding Needed for Cyber Schools
“After today’s virtual education committee study group meeting, we are hopeful that the Commission is heading toward an appropriate funding level for Georgia’s cyber charter students. This meeting was a breath of fresh air; a very encouraging, open and positive dialogue with Charter Schools Commission and State Board of Education members.
From Drop Out to Push Out in Online Learning
We have the opportunity to avoid the replication of a broken system where the culture of “read and do” exist. We must take ownership of the walls that exist for students and seek to find ways to climb.
Georgia Families Urge Review of DLN Report
In a continuing effort to guarantee the Georgia Charter Schools Commission follow HB881 and provide fair and equitable funding for Georgia’s current and future full-time online public schools, Georgia Families for Public Virtual Education (GFPVE) parent leader Renee Lord again points to an important report released last week by former Governors Jeb Bush (R-FL) and Bob Wise (D-WV)