higher education
Youth Development & College Completion
I’ve been thinking about the relationship between the broad youth development principals that underlie successful youth organizations (and families) and the specific opportunities to significantly boost college completion rates. I’m quite optimistic that edupreneurs will develop tools and institutions that gradually boost the percentage of Americans holding a post-secondary credential. I’m a little less optimistic about the percentage of American youth that will grow up within a strong web of support.
What I’m seeing: anything, anytime learning
This is the second in a series of ten (or more) blogs on edtech startup categories where there seems to be strong activity. Yesterday I wrote about productive post-sec--folks serious about academic outcomes as well as cost. Today we’re exploring the dynamic category of Informal learning, mostly--non-degree seeking “I need/want to learn something” category. In some cases these options are an alternative to formal post-sec. What I’m seeing is activity in three categories: peer, now, do.
What I’m Seeing: Productive Post-Secondary
Wow, the edtech space seems to have exploded. The number and quality of startups is remarkable as is the inflow of talent and investment. Over the next weeks I’ll discuss some of the emerging capabilities I’m seeing in these ten categories: Productive post-secondary: taking outcomes and value seriously…
NYCan Makes the Case for Early College
NYCan just released Start College Early, Finish College Strong. Students participating in early college programs can earn up to two years of college credit while in high school and potentially graduate with an associate’s degree. As the NYCan blog says, “Right now, these programs are only reaching a small portion of the kids who need them most.” Read the story of Precious and tell me why we shouldn’t dramatically expand early college.
US Grad Rate Inches Up–But Marshall Plan Needed
High school graduation rates are inching up to more than 75%, that's the conclusion of a report released monday. It's also good news that from 2008 to 2009 (the most current data available), the number of dropout factory high schools decreased by an additional 112 schools to 1,634. Compared to 2002 almost there has been a decline of nearly 800,000 in 'dropout factory' enrollment.
Start Making: General Assembly Launches Online
General Assembly launches its online learning program today with Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship –like how to form an entity, business models, and human-centered design and raising your first million. Like the onsite courses, the online programs are very social. Participants connect, comment, share, and learn together. This is an MBA killer.
Support for Teachers: Simulated Classrooms, Online Networking and More
The key to ensuring all students graduate high school college and career ready is effective teaching. And the key to ensuring effective teaching for all students is effective professional development for educators. Professional development is the most powerful strategy that school systems have to help all educators acquire the knowledge and skills they need to effectively reach all students.
The Coming Education Revolution
In the worst economy since the Great Depression, Americans are struggling to earn a living, raise their families, and get an education. How will Americans adapt to learn, work, and connect in the future? A new book with findings from Apollo Research Institute describes how technology and the new job skills that will be required in the 21st century will transform higher education.
A Case for Certification
The U.S. needs more college grads or more preciesly a more job ready workforce. A portion of that need will be meet via informal learning strategies and recognized by certification and badging systems.
Infographic: Getting Into the College of Your Dreams
For students today, getting into the college of their dreams begins freshman year of high school (or sooner). Students must work hard, take the right classes and couple it with the right extra curricular activities. Then, they must research colleges, apply and prepare for the big transition.