News Roundup - 1/31

Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education and workforce development, this week's News Roundup articles shed light on persistent challenges and emerging opportunities for innovation in both K-12 and higher education. From the ongoing struggle with chronic absenteeism and low online degree completion rates to California's groundbreaking initiatives for non-degree holders and the urgent need for STEM talent, it's clear that the education sector must adapt. Edtech companies, in particular, are uniquely positioned to address these issues through tailored solutions that enhance student engagement, improve retention, and promote practical skills.

Despite dip, chronic absenteeism remains stubbornly high at 28% - Chronic absenteeism among students has slightly decreased to 28% for the 2022-23 school year, down from 30% in the previous year. Still, it remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic rates of 16.2%. Certain states, including Oklahoma and Oregon, still experienced increases, highlighting ongoing challenges in student attendance. The issue disproportionately affects marginalized groups and schools with high populations of economically disadvantaged students. Edtech companies have a significant opportunity to develop solutions that address these challenges by leveraging data analytics and creating tools that prioritize family engagement, enhance student connections, promote health and wellness, and provide engaging learning experiences. By focusing on these areas, edtech firms can contribute to improving attendance rates and supporting schools in their efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism by 50% over the next five years, as advocated by Attendance Works and other organizations.

Online Degrees Out of Reach – The surge in demand for remote degree programs, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a significant opportunity for edtech companies to enhance online education offerings. However, the challenge lies in the alarming low completion rates for online programs, often below 50%, even at established institutions like Southern New Hampshire University and Liberty University. These low rates highlight a critical need for improved support and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by part-time and non-traditional students, who make up a large portion of online learners. Edtech firms can capitalize on this opportunity by developing innovative solutions that address these gaps—such as personalized learning platforms, robust student support services, and effective engagement strategies—that not only enhance the learning experience but also improve retention and graduation rates. As online education continues to expand, there is a growing demand for quality, accountability, and effective support systems, making it a ripe market for technology-driven solutions.

No college degree? No worries. Newsom unveils plan for well-paying jobs without one – California Governor Gavin Newsom recently unveiled a comprehensive initiative designed to improve job opportunities for individuals without college degrees, addressing the state's significant economic divide. Key elements of the California Master Plan for Career Education include eliminating degree requirements for many state jobs, facilitating the conversion of military experience into college credits, and creating a "career passport" to showcase skills and credentials. The plan emphasizes hands-on learning and expanded workforce training, particularly for underserved populations. This initiative serves as a model for other states to consider, as they can adopt similar strategies to enhance job readiness and economic mobility for non-degree holders, potentially reshaping the higher education landscape by prioritizing practical skills and alternative pathways to employment. By focusing on skills rather than formal degrees, states can respond more effectively to labor market demands and help bridge the economic gap.

How K–12 Can Get a Head Start on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – The recent National Science Board report highlights a pressing "STEM talent crisis" in the U.S., indicating that K–12 education is not producing enough diverse STEM workers to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy. For edtech companies, this underscores the critical need for innovative and engaging tools that facilitate early STEM education, as evidenced by a K–5 teacher's success in cultivating curiosity and foundational skills through hands-on activities and technology. By integrating resources like programmable robots and coding apps into classrooms, educators can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students. Additionally, the collaboration between school leaders and educators in promoting STEM education emphasizes the importance of professional development and resource accessibility. This presents a significant opportunity for edtech companies to contribute to building a sustainable pipeline of STEM talent by equipping schools with the necessary tools and training to inspire the next generation of innovators.

LinkedIn’s Work Change Report: AI Is Coming to Work – This report covers the rapid evolution of work that is increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which is reshaping job roles and required skills at an unprecedented pace. By 2030, it is projected that 70% of skills across various professions will undergo significant changes due to AI's influence. This shift necessitates continuous learning and adaptability among professionals, as evidenced by a 140% increase in LinkedIn members updating their skills profiles since 2022. For workforce tech companies, this transformation presents both challenges and opportunities, as organizations seek talent that combines technical proficiency in AI with essential human skills like communication and leadership. With over half of businesses adopting generative AI reporting revenue increases, the demand for adaptive talent is rising, emphasizing the need for companies to invest in upskilling initiatives. As AI tools become integral to daily operations, firms must cultivate a culture of learning and innovation to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

Digital testing, AI, and personalized learning in 2025 –The education sector is poised for significant transformation, creating ample opportunities for edtech companies to innovate and thrive in 2025. With a strong emphasis on personalized learning, driven by data insights, there is a growing need for tailored educational experiences that cater to individual student strengths and weaknesses. The integration of AI-powered tools is becoming essential, offering scalable support that can act as virtual tutors, particularly benefiting those who lack access to traditional resources. Additionally, the shift to digital testing, exemplified by the SAT and ACT's transition to online formats, enhances accessibility and efficiency in assessments. As schools increasingly adopt these technologies, edtech companies have a prime opportunity to develop solutions that enhance information literacy, support multimodal learning, and ultimately prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving educational environment.

As we continue to navigate these challenges, the role of technology in education becomes increasingly critical. By focusing on personalized learning, innovative engagement strategies, and practical skill development, edtech firms can play a pivotal role in transforming education and workforce readiness. The insights from this week's News Roundup highlight the urgency for action and the potential for meaningful change, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective educational landscape.

#NewsRoundup