Weekly Roundup: The new success formula for teens
And now for a look back at the week that was…
💡 THOUGHTs
The new success formula for teens:
Real projects + Work experience + Self-education + Networking = Job offers.
In a world where 52% of recent college grads are underemployed, being an average graduate doesn’t signal much anymore.
Curiosity > Curriculum
Humans are born learners. Just look at a toddler’s natural curiosity. When a child uses an object in a new way (like standing on a footstool they’ve only seen used for sitting), they’re making analogies and connections – demonstrating a deep, intuitive grasp of the world. When you allow kids to follow their curiosity, they can’t help but learn.
Rethinking risk
We let 15-year-olds drive 70mph on the freeway with nothing but their parents screaming at them, yet balk at the idea of them flying planes with a trained pilot. Watch or listen to Isaac’s podcast with our friend Mark Hyatt from OpenEd partner Falcon AeroLab, and tell us how you think about risk.
📊 TRENDs
Jay-Z’s Education Revolution
The rap icon is backing a $100 million PASS program in Pennsylvania, which would provide scholarships to students in the state’s lowest-performing schools.
The Rise of Pandemic Pods
Since 2020, DIY learning groups have been popping up faster than sourdough starters. This trend has gone hand-in-hand with soaring enrollment in online learning platforms, with Outschool seeing a 275% increase. Pods provide a mix of customized learning, support from like-minded families, and a blend of online resources with face-to-face interaction.
KaiPod Learning: Airbnb for Microschools
Edupreneur Amar Kumar’s KaiPod Learning helps passionate educators and parents launch their own personalized learning spaces. Their Catalyst program supports aspiring founders in turning educational visions into reality, while offering software, services, and community support for existing microschools. It’s like the Airbnb of learning environments.
⚒️ TOOLs
Math Mania: Top 10 Programs When Fingers and Toes Aren’t Enough
When a mom on Reddit asked about the best math curriculum for her 1st grader, we decided to crunch some numbers (pun intended). From Math-U-See to Prodigy Math, we’ve got the breakdown of what OpenEd families are using. Remember, the best math program is the one that works for YOUR family.
25 Ways to Socialize Kids Outside the Classroom
Worried your kid’s only friend is their computer? Fear not! From sports to Discord servers, and everything in between, Renegade Educator has a list that’ll make your kid more social than a butterfly at a flower convention.
Falcon AeroLab: Where Dreams Take Flight
Looking for an exciting way to introduce your child to the world of aerospace and aviation? Falcon AeroLab’s virtual curriculum is available to OpenEd students ages 12-18. Learn from qualified industry professionals, and yes, there’s even a live flight experience included. Who knows? Your teen’s next field trip might just be in the cockpit!
(quote) OF THE DAY
“Kids are 20% of the population, but 80% of the future.”
– Mark Hyatt, Founder of Falcon AeroLab
Watch or listen to the podcast.
That’s all for today!
– Charlie (the OpenEd newsletter guy)