John Taylor’s Post

For many years, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce has been a go-to for quality data about the growth of good jobs across the country. Their latest report reaffirms something that most of us know but that often gets obscured in the conversation about #college and #career: there are many good jobs that don't require a college degree, AND most good jobs right now require a bachelor's degree and will continue to do so in the coming years. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/euRnpby3 Making sure that there are pathways that allow anyone who wants to go to college and earn a degree can do so is important work. The reasons why people don't go to college are complex, but too many people don't go to college because the costs are certain, upfront, and often large, and the benefits are uncertain and in the future. Lots of reporting makes this point; Paul Tough's essay from a year ago makes it better than most: https://lnkd.in/eJPmFCrv There are plenty of ways to make college affordable and accessible. At Modern States Education Alliance, we've created an approach that is practical and immediate: we help any learner anywhere take college level courses and earn college credit at no cost. Our learners then go to (or in many cases, go back to) college knowing that they can succeed, and requiring less time and money to earn their degree. We make these courses accessible for you, for your family, for your students; when we say all learners, we mean ALL learners. We're always looking for partners and supporters in this work. If the CEW report speaks to you, we would love to speak with you too. Reach out and let me know what you're up to and how we might work together to make sure that college again becomes a pathway to opportunity for everyone. #HigherEd #CollegeAccess #EducationForAll #ModernStates

A new survey highlights a persistent drop in confidence among Americans regarding higher education. Although Baby Boomers feel students should bear more of the financial burden believe that state governments should increase their investments in public colleges and universities. Explore the complete findings: https://okt.to/2VLuyR

🔍 New Insights on Public Confidence in Higher Education 📚 A recent Gallup poll reveals a nearly even split in public confidence in higher education, with just 36% of Americans expressing significant trust in colleges and universities. This division highlights growing concerns around affordability, accessibility, and the perceived value of a college degree. As educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, we must address these challenges head-on. We must innovate and adapt to restore confidence in our higher education system and ensure it remains a pillar of opportunity and growth for future generations. Read more about the findings and implications here: Gallup Poll on Public Confidence in Higher Education. #HigherEducation #EducationInnovation #PublicTrust #StudentSuccess #HigherEd

🔍 New Insights on Public Confidence in Higher Education 📚 A recent Gallup poll reveals a nearly even split in public confidence in higher education, with just 36% of Americans expressing significant trust in colleges and universities. This division highlights growing concerns around affordability, accessibility, and the perceived value of a college degree. As educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, we must address these challenges head-on. We must innovate and adapt to restore confidence in our higher education system and ensure it remains a pillar of opportunity and growth for future generations. Read more about the findings and implications here: Gallup Poll on Public Confidence in Higher Education. #HigherEducation #EducationInnovation #PublicTrust #StudentSuccess #HigherEd

More than one quarter of all middle-skills credentials and associate degrees offered nationwide are misaligned with the needs of their local labor markets, according to the latest report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

Postsecondary Pathways for the Workforce of Tomorrow delves into the current state of higher education, offering key strategies to enhance postsecondary education options for the evolving needs of students and employers. The accompanying infographic neatly encapsulates the recommendations. Dive into the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eez-tefS

The OECD's 2024 Education Report: A Wake-Up Call for EdTech? The latest Education at a Glance report is a clear reminder that despite our technological advances, we're still failing many learners. As someone who's worked across diverse educational landscapes, from developing global STEAM initiatives at LEGO Education to scaling online education in South Africa, and now leading B2B SaaS solutions for schools across APAC at Civica, I see this as an opportunity for our industry to reassess and improve. As we sift through the data and distill the key findings, a few critical issues seem at the heart of the matter: 1. We're Still Leaving Kids Behind. Family background remains a key predictor of educational outcomes. In plain terms: we're perpetuating inequality. Our EdTech solutions are falling short if they're not reaching every student, regardless of background. 2. More School ≠ Better Skills. We've got more kids in school for longer, but they're not necessarily learning more. This isn't just a statistic, it's a challenge to our educational models. How do we ensure our technology actually improves learning, not just digitises outdated practices? 3. Tech Isn't the Hero We Think It Is. Technology alone isn't the answer. This isn't about having the fanciest LMS or the latest AI integration. It's about how we use these tools to genuinely enhance learning and drive transformation. So, what now? The report points to some key areas: • Early Childhood Education: I may be biased (thanks to my LEGO days in Denmark), but we need to double down here. How can EdTech support early learners through play-based, STEAM-focused approaches without turning preschools into mini computer labs, over-digitalising early years? • Gender Equity: Women are outperforming men academically but still facing barriers in the workforce. Our technology needs to prepare all students for the real world, not just the next test. • Global Collaboration: Education isn't bound by borders, and neither should our solutions be. We need culturally responsive, adaptable solutions. My challenge to decision makers, EdTech leaders and educators: 1. Stop celebrating tech for tech's sake. If it's not improving learning outcomes, it's just expensive window dressing. Focus on improving learning outcomes. 2. Design for equity from the ground up. If your solution isn't accessible to the most disadvantaged student, it's not good enough. 3. Rethink assessment using data analytics for meaningful insights. Are we measuring what matters, or just what's easy to measure? 4. Collaborate, don't compete. These problems are too big for any one entity to solve. I see the 2024 OECD report as a call to action, not just food for thought. We have the tools and knowledge to transform education. What we need now is the will to make it happen. How are we ensuring our EdTech solutions are part of the solution? Let's create an education system that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. #OECDReport2024

Latest OECD education report. Some interesting albeit unsurprising headlines about where gaps lie.

The recently published Report on the Condition of Education 2024 by the National Center for Education Statistics (published 5/30/24) makes for an interesting read. The annual report presents the most recent available data—ranging from 2021 to 2023. Highlights for me: • Post-pandemic there are indicators of recovery but notes across the report indicate how the pandemic adversely impacted data collection during that period (we don't know, what we don't know) • The spotlight section on Career and Technical Education and the relationship between CTE concentration in high school and college completion should be of interest to community colleges and enrollment strategists • International comparisons show progress over the last decade with regards to the number of adult learners (aged 25-64) attaining a postsecondary degree. In 2022, adult learners with postsecondary degree in US = 50% of adult learner population (compared to 43% in 2012). In comparison, at the top of the international table Canada = 63% of adult learner population with a postsecondary degree (compared to 52% in 2012). Irwin, V., Wang, K., Jung, J., Kessler, E., Tezil, T., Alhassani, S., Filbey, A., Dilig, R., and Bullock Mann, F. (2024). Report on the Condition of Education 2024 (NCES 2024-144). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://lnkd.in/gw6yG33n.

What is the education system like in your country?   The latest edition of Education at a Glance focuses on equity in education, and includes indicators on:   ➡️ Education enrolment   Since 2016, the share of 18-24 year-olds not in employment, education or training has fallen to 14%.   This is driven by 18–24 year-olds staying in education longer and a robust labour market. However, skills mismatches remain a challenge. ➡️ Labour market outcomes The average private gains from completing tertiary education over a lifetime are USD 343 000 for a man and USD 292 700 for a woman.   Despite lower returns, young women are more likely to complete tertiary education. ➡️ Teacher working conditions   Teacher shortages exacerbate disparities in many education systems.   Yet, financial incentives alone are not enough to attract well-qualified and motivated teachers. Education at a Glance 2024 is the definitive guide to the state of education around the world, providing policymakers with evidence to improve the effectiveness of their education systems.   Read it now: oe.cd/5GF | #OECDEAG | OECD Education and Skills