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The Future of Education Substack by Michael B. Horn examines major trends and news in education, focusing on innovation and systemic change. It covers topics from the challenges and opportunities in higher education, K-12 education strategies, education technology, and policy impacts, to the role of new learning models and financial aspects of education.

Higher Education K-12 Education Educational Innovation Online Learning Education Policy EdTech Learning Models Financial Aspects of Education

The hottest Substack posts of The Future of Education

And their main takeaways
491 implied HN points 02 Jan 24
  1. In the dialogue on college campuses, there is a need to broaden perspectives and engage in deeper conversations to foster resilience.
  2. University leaders should maintain neutrality on controversial issues, creating an environment for open debate without imposing specific viewpoints.
  3. Higher education institutions should focus on developing students' abilities to engage with complexity, debate ideas, and build humility for better societal cohesion.
58 implied HN points 30 Jan 24
  1. Student success efforts in college campuses are crucial, especially with concerns about completion rates and student retention.
  2. Engaging learners post-pandemic involves innovation in high school education, such as dual enrollment and integrating internships.
  3. Institutions need to focus on providing tangible value to students, addressing cost structures, and prioritizing student success in a changing higher education landscape.
157 implied HN points 13 Dec 23
  1. Education research needs to move beyond just identifying 'best practices' and look for nuanced insights that work for specific individuals.
  2. Researchers should focus on deductive research to identify anomalies that can lead to a better understanding of interventions.
  3. Acknowledging anomalies in research can help in providing actionable insights that actually benefit educators and students.
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58 implied HN points 15 Dec 23
  1. The importance of making higher education accessible to everyone, not just the privileged few
  2. The need for a shift in the grading system to focus more on mastery-based learning
  3. Concerns and potential changes regarding regulations in higher education and outside partnerships
255 implied HN points 17 May 23
  1. System transformation in education is difficult because it usually involves replacing the existing system with a new one.
  2. Existing systems have interconnected components with consistent and reinforcing structures that resist external changes.
  3. Simply introducing new ideas or programs into an established system may not work if they do not align with the existing structures and incentives.
235 implied HN points 24 May 23
  1. States promote dual-credit programs for high schoolers to earn college credits.
  2. Lack of external validation in dual-credit programs poses risks for students.
  3. Students transferring credits may face challenges, losing a significant percentage.
176 implied HN points 28 Jun 23
  1. Education technology has become an integral part of schools post-COVID.
  2. Digital learning is prevalent in classrooms, with technology often replacing traditional teaching tools.
  3. Schools are blending online learning with traditional methods, but many are still cramming technology into existing structures.
176 implied HN points 29 May 23
  1. Focus on student outcomes, not inputs when it comes to policy and education.
  2. Consider learner mobility and credit transfer between educational institutions.
  3. Encourage continuous improvement by focusing on outcomes and empowering individuals in education.
235 implied HN points 29 Mar 23
  1. Using technology to personalize learning is helping children in Liberia and Sierra Leone improve reading and math skills.
  2. Implementing tablet-based learning programs can have a significant impact on education in resource-constrained countries.
  3. Affordable and sustainable solutions, like tablet-based learning, can revolutionize education systems in developing nations.
98 implied HN points 16 Aug 23
  1. The current higher education system lacks incentives for institutions to focus on student outcomes and financial returns.
  2. Accreditors play a gatekeeper role for federal financial aid, but are not incentivized to focus on student outcomes.
  3. Policy should shift focus to student outcomes, transparency in pricing, and requiring colleges to share in the risk of student loan repayments.
216 implied HN points 30 Mar 23
  1. ChatGPT produces high-quality essays that meet or exceed standards across grade levels.
  2. Schools should adjust practices to keep up with technological advancements like ChatGPT.
  3. Education decision makers are grappling with how to respond to AI tools like ChatGPT in classrooms.
216 implied HN points 02 Mar 23
  1. Over 50 million people in the US are in low-wage jobs with limited career mobility and education.
  2. Innovative programs like Merit America and Marcy Lab School provide affordable, supportive, and career-focused alternatives to traditional college.
  3. These alternatives rethink college costs, advocate for federal financial aid eligibility, and prioritize a no-excuses mindset for student success.
216 implied HN points 01 Mar 23
  1. Biden is finding new ways to offer free college beyond community colleges.
  2. Taxpayers may end up covering the cost, leading to unaccountable colleges raising prices.
  3. The plan involves income-driven repayment, where debt payments are based on a percentage of income.
196 implied HN points 06 Mar 23
  1. Biden administration's new regulations for colleges will increase costs and stifle innovation for students.
  2. Thousands of contracts between colleges and third-party organizations will be under scrutiny and may be nullified.
  3. The regulatory approach favors large incumbents over startups, passing compliance costs to universities and ultimately to students.
176 implied HN points 18 Aug 22
  1. Offering year-round schooling can reduce stress on students, parents, and teachers
  2. Year-round schooling provides more balanced opportunities for children's interests throughout the year
  3. Transitioning to a balanced calendar for schools can lead to improved parent satisfaction and teacher well-being
19 implied HN points 14 Sep 23
  1. Colleges are facing financial challenges as federal funding decreases and there's pressure to bring in more revenue, even impacting athletic programs like the Pac-12.
  2. Many colleges are criticized for excessive spending that doesn't align with providing value to students, contributing to the overall cost crisis in higher education.
  3. It's important to rethink incentives and challenge the idea that spending more equates to delivering a better education at colleges.
58 implied HN points 01 Dec 22
  1. The author expresses gratitude for the support from readers and subscribers.
  2. Updates on the author's books being featured and discussed in various platforms.
  3. Information about recent podcasts and conversations on education innovation.
58 implied HN points 30 Sep 22
  1. The focus of physical education should be on developing individuals capable of pursuing fitness for life, not just developing athletes.
  2. Quality physical education improves student attention and focus in academic subjects.
  3. Schools need to prioritize physical education to promote lifelong physical fitness habits in students.
19 implied HN points 07 Dec 22
  1. The concerns behind cellphone bans in schools include students' mental health, engagement, and focus.
  2. Cellphone bans may hinder the productive use of mobile-learning applications that could enhance learning outcomes.
  3. Educators should consider more moderate approaches to cellphone use in schools, rather than blanket bans, to leverage technology for academic purposes and teach responsible device usage.