By Kerry McDonald Josh Pickel’s dissatisfaction as a teacher was mounting. After several years of teaching in other public schools, mostly at the elementary level, he was finally back in his hometown of Canton, Illinois teaching middle school science at the public school he attended as a child. It was what he had always wanted; yet, he was feeling increasingly … [Read more...] about Microschools Remain A Popular Back-To-School Option This Year
Kerry McDonald
Why This East Coast State Is Becoming a Hub of Education Entrepreneurship
By Kerry McDonald New Jersey education entrepreneurs are embracing an ethos of permissionless innovation, creating new learning solutions that work well for children and others in their communities rather than trying to change an entrenched traditional school system. When Ben Ashfield and Tammy Tiranasar couldn’t find their preferred educational environment for their two … [Read more...] about Why This East Coast State Is Becoming a Hub of Education Entrepreneurship
More States Are Mandating Kindergarten. Here Are 3 Reasons Why That’s A Bad Idea.
By Kerry McDonald This back-to-school season, many parents are eager to drop-off their kindergarteners to begin the 13-year journey toward high school graduation. It can be a joyful time, full of anticipation and excitement. But just because something may be desirable for many families doesn’t mean it should be mandatory for all. California is the latest state to try to … [Read more...] about More States Are Mandating Kindergarten. Here Are 3 Reasons Why That’s A Bad Idea.
How Disruptive Innovation Is Accelerating the Growth of Alternative Learning Models
By Kerry McDonald Disruptive innovation usually begins on the margins, with a few, intrepid users embracing a new product or service. Abetted by new technologies, a disruptive innovation penetrates the mainstream when its quality is proven to be as good, if not better, than more established models. According to author and investor, Michael Horn, a classic example of … [Read more...] about How Disruptive Innovation Is Accelerating the Growth of Alternative Learning Models
How A Decentralized Education System Keeps Hubris In Check
By Kerry McDonald Decentralization is crucial in all sectors but especially in education. While the past two years have been characterized in many ways by top-down policy approaches and greater centralization of power, there have also been positive signs of decentralization and bottom-up solutions. This has been particularly true in education, as parents seek new learning … [Read more...] about How A Decentralized Education System Keeps Hubris In Check