News Roundup – 7/19

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

Why Do High-Quality Instructional Materials Matter? – Edtech investors should take note of the increasing focus on high-quality instructional materials (HQIMs) in U.S. schools as states and districts prioritize the adoption of rigorous, content-rich curricula to enhance student learning outcomes. Research shows that the choice of ELA, math, and science programs significantly affects student achievement, especially for less experienced teachers. HQIMs not only save teachers time but also empower them to enhance their impact by providing consistent, high-quality content for all students. With comprehensive professional learning offerings and a focus on equity, HQIMs are essential for creating inclusive learning environments and closing achievement gaps. Ultimately, investing in HQIMs is a cost-effective strategy for improving educational outcomes and empowering teachers to excel.

70,000 students are already using AI textbooks – Generative AI has created a debate in the education sector, particularly in colleges where Pearson has introduced AI-enhanced digital textbooks with chatbot study tools and interactive practice questions. These AI features aim to help students better understand concepts and improve engagement, with results showing positive outcomes. Pearson plans to expand this technology to more textbooks and is exploring ways to enhance teacher tools as well. Despite concerns about hallucinations and future models, Pearson believes that integrating generative AI directly into textbooks offers students a unique learning experience that cannot be matched by external sources like ChatGPT.

Companies are facing a skills-gap crisis that college alone can’t fix – With the potential to boost business productivity and the economy, apprenticeships offer a scalable and effective solution for training workers for emerging industries like cybersecurity and data analysis. By investing in apprenticeship pathways, employers can tap into a pool of skilled workers without the need for a traditional college degree, ultimately benefiting both workers and the economy as a whole. Policymakers at both the federal and state levels are already taking steps to support apprenticeships, making it a timely and promising avenue for companies looking to develop their workforce. It’s a great time for education and workforce technology companies to address the skills gap and move workers into higher-wage roles.

For these incarcerated women, high school diplomas offer hope – Edtech companies might be the “secret weapon” in education during incarceration by providing resources for education programs in correctional facilities. These kinds of programs are transformative for inmates, providing hope, confidence, and opportunities for a brighter future. Research shows that education in prison reduces recidivism rates and saves incarceration costs. The support and belief of teachers, like Delisa Harris who is featured in the article, are crucial in helping students succeed and cultivate hope. Inmates have found success and opened doors to new possibilities through earning their high school diplomas.

Our portfolio company, Orijin, knows first-hand the benefits of education while incarcerated, providing justice-involved people education, workforce training, and re-entry support. Learn more about the work they do.

Ed tech providers hold ‘shared responsibility’ for AI, says Education Dept – The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology has issued new guidance for ed tech providers on integrating artificial intelligence into schools. The guidance emphasizes a “shared responsibility” mentality for providers to build trust with district leaders and actively manage risks associated with AI. The guidance outlines eight categories of risk for using AI in schools and calls for collaboration between providers and schools in introducing AI into the classroom. The guidance also highlights the importance of designing for education, providing evidence of impact, advancing equity, ensuring safety and security, and promoting transparency to earn trust. The department’s guidance aligns with President Joe Biden’s executive order and emphasizes the need for a society-wide effort to harness AI while mitigating its risks. States and school districts are also developing their own guidelines for AI use in education, which ed tech providers should consider when working with schools.

Schools receive third — and potentially final — round of federal funding for homeless students – The number of students experiencing homelessness in Kalispell’s public school system increased from 293 to 365 during the 2023-24 school year, attributed to the rising cost of living post-COVID. This trend is mirrored statewide, with a significant increase in homeless students over the past decade. Montana’s Office of Public Instruction distributed over $1.8 million in funding to districts to support homeless students, with additional funding being granted at the federal level. Districts have utilized these funds for direct support to families, staff training, and additional student services, but will face challenges maintaining these levels of support once the funding expires. The hope is for legislative action to provide sustained funding to meet the growing demand for services, but there is also an opportunity for innovation from edtech companies to address this at-need population.

Many Americans Think K-12 STEM Ed Lags Behind Peer Nations. They’re Half-Right – A recent Pew Research Center survey found that while U.S. adults generally perceive K-12 STEM education in the US as average or worse compared to other nations, the reality is more positive when looking at performance data. The U.S. is lagging behind in math but performing better than average in science, according to international assessments. This highlights the importance of the edtech sector taking note of the disparities in math education and the need for a shift in how math is taught to ensure relevance and engagement, especially for underrepresented groups. Education advocates emphasize the need to address disparities in STEM education to drive social and economic mobility and maintain the country’s global competitiveness.

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