Alpha School uses AI to teach students academics for just two hours a day
AUSTIN, Texas – One Austin woman believes traditional schooling is outdated and filled with busy work. That’s why she created a new learning method where there are no teachers, and students learn academics through an AI tutor on a series of apps, for just two hours a day. “Our students are learning twice as fast as students in a traditional classroom, but they are doing it in only 2 hours a day,” said MacKenzie Price, co-founder of the Alpha School in downtown Austin. Read the full article here
Alpha School Miami: The Future of Education in Our Community
An innovative new school opens in Miami set out to redefine education for families looking beyond the traditional school model. It’s a school where 8-year-olds launch startups, 10-year-olds give TED-style talks and 12-year-olds tackle Harvard Business School challenges. Alpha School boasts a 10-year track record of excellence in Texas, where classes consistently rank in the top 2% in core curriculum, kids get prepared for life, and one of the key measures of success is that “students love school.” Alpha School is opening its doors near Tropical Park at 8000 SW 56th St., bringing its proven model to our vibrant city. Imagine a school where there are no lecture-based classrooms. They’re replaced with personalized learning plans and project-based workshops focused on life skills. The entire school experience is shaped around individual student needs, aptitudes and passions. The innovative approach is attracting national attention and was the focus of recent special reports on The Today Show and NBC News, singling it out as a model for ‘The Future of Education.’ Read the full article here
Unlocking Potential in Kids: Empowering The Path to a Brighter Tomorrow
In a world where kids are told that they ‘won’t be able to’, we believe in telling them they ‘absolutely can’. At 17, Joan of Arc led an army to victory. Malala Yousafzai became a Nobel laureate, championing girls’ education worldwide. Greta Thunberg sparked a global climate movement before turning 18. They were relentless in pursuing their potential and passions. Today, by actively nurturing young minds and instilling a belief in their abilities, we unlock a future where every child can achieve greatness. Here are ten key benefits of empowering young minds through such transformative practices. Boosted Confidence Empowering children instills a sense of self-belief and confidence. When young minds are encouraged to pursue their interests and are supported in their endeavors, they develop a strong sense of self-worth and the courage to take on challenges. Enhanced Critical Thinking Encouraging critical thinking from an early age helps children develop the ability to analyze, evaluate, and create new ideas. This skill is crucial for problem-solving and innovation, equipping them to tackle complex issues in the future. Improved Problem-Solving Skills When children are empowered, they learn to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. They are encouraged to think creatively and independently, which enhances their problem-solving abilities and prepares them for real-world challenges. Increased Engagement Empowering young minds through personalized and relevant learning experiences keeps them engaged and motivated. When children see the value in what they are learning and how it applies to their interests, they are more likely to be enthusiastic and involved. Encouraged Creativity A supportive environment that values creativity allows children to explore their imagination and express themselves. This not only enhances their learning experience but also fosters innovation and adaptability, skills that are highly valued in today’s world. Stronger Leadership Skills Empowered children often take on leadership roles in various settings, learning to guide, inspire, and motivate others. By engaging in collaborative projects and activities, they develop essential leadership qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. Greater Collaboration Encouraging collaboration from an early age helps children develop strong interpersonal skills. Working together on projects and activities teaches them the value of teamwork, effective communication, and appreciating diverse perspectives. Development of Life Skills Beyond academics, empowering young minds means equipping them with essential life skills such as communication, empathy, and resilience. These skills are crucial for personal growth and success in all areas of life. Fostered Independence Encouraging self-directed learning and decision-making fosters independence in children. This independence is crucial for lifelong learning and empowers students to take ownership of their education and future. Increased Motivation Empowerment often leads to increased motivation. When children feel that their interests and efforts are valued, they are more likely to be motivated to set and achieve goals, driving their personal and academic growth. Capable Citizens of the World Empowering young minds extends beyond personal growth; it has significant societal benefits. By developing critical thinkers, problem solvers, and empathetic leaders, we prepare students to contribute positively to their communities and the world. These empowered individuals are better equipped to address global challenges, drive innovation, and foster social progress. As they grow, they bring these skills and attitudes into the broader society, promoting a culture of collaboration, understanding, and continuous improvement. Conclusion In conclusion, empowering young minds through personalized learning and skill development is essential for their personal growth and the betterment of society. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and independence, we prepare students not only for academic success but also for meaningful contributions to the world. Investing in the education and empowerment of young minds is an investment in a brighter, more innovative, and inclusive future.
How AI Is Changing The Role Of Teachers In Education
Hailed as heroes but paid like afterthoughts, teachers are leaving classrooms in droves as AI technology knocks on the door. Sixty percent of U.S. adults say they wouldn’t want their child to become a public school teacher according to a 2024 poll, many citing concerns about “inadequate pay and benefits (33%) or a lack of student discipline (27%).” This marks a significant shift from 50 years ago, when the poll first came out and 75% of Americans supported this career path for their child. A 2022 paper from researchers at Brown University and the University at Albany found that “perceptions of teacher prestige have fallen between 20% and 47% in the last decade and now rest at or near the lowest levels on record.” Unsurprising then, we’re now experiencing a nationwide teacher shortage, a trend that accelerated during the pandemic. According to 2023 data, there were 55,000 teacher vacancies in the 2022-2023 school year, up 60% from the previous year, with an estimated 300,000 positions now being filled by underqualified teachers. Read the full article here
How AI And Humans Will Transform The Current Education System
Few things are more important than education. Unfortunately, the U.S. education system has been under siege for years, with understaffed schools, overcrowded classrooms and overworked, underpaid teachers. The government’s own NAEP issued a Nation’s Report Card revealing less than a third of U.S. eighth graders can do grade-level math. I believe we can no longer accept a system that’s failing so many of our students. The greatest problem stems from the fact we’re still applying a rigid, century-old education model to the challenges of our modern world. Today’s teachers hold the impossible job of educating 20, 30 or even 40 students in a classroom, kids from vastly different backgrounds and aptitudes—with no time to focus on personalized learning. Read the full article here
5 Forces Educational Innovators Should Know About
As you read this, new kinds of schools are being designed, launched and expanded. Many are utilizing the power of Artificial Intelligence. Take for example, Synthesis School and their AI-powered math tutor or Alpha School in Miami that uses AI to teach their children. Some of these schools have already evolved into competition for mainstream schooling. In the coming years, they may even render some traditional methods of education obsolete. Read the full article here
There’s No Such Thing As A ‘C’ Student: How EdTech Will Democratize Learning
In our current U.S. education system, we tend to “track” students from a very young age—and once on this path, it’s hard for any student who falls behind to change course. A student who scores a C on a test will likely never go back to review the material they missed because traditional classrooms move on to the next lesson. With this method of learning, students may be doomed to follow an underperforming path as the subject matter builds and they fall further and further behind. Read the full article here
GT School now open, enrolling students in Georgetown
GT School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 25 following its opening Aug. 26. What parents should know The private school specializes in hands-on, project-based workshops, and is now teaching kindergarten through eighth grade students who meet its qualifications. Students are in various stages of enrollment, and five to six students will start before the end of the year while 30-40 students have qualified to become a student, said Anna Davlantes, a spokesperson for GT School, in an email. Read the full article here
Don’t dismantle the Department of Education just yet
Donald Trump appears poised to make good on his campaign pledge to dismantle the Department of Education. The president-elect’s frustration with the wayward direction of federal education is understandable — and shared by millions of Americans. But shuttering the Department of Education won’t change that direction. So let’s make a promise to America’s kids first. The new administration ought to create a “Kids First” education plan that empowers students, parents, and teachers — rather than administrators and bureaucrats — and prioritizes real-world academic achievement over the failed pedagogies of the past. When Jimmy Carter established the Education Department in 1979, U.S. schoolchildren were ranked first in the world for academic proficiency. Since then, we’ve fallen to 24th place. Read the full article here
AI-powered virtual school where kids spend just 2 hours on academics coming to Arizona
The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools has greenlit a virtual charter school where computer programs will teach students “core instruction” for just two hours per day. In those two hours, students will use artificial intelligence-powered platforms to “engage in short, focused bursts of learning across different subjects,” according to the charter application. The school, Unbound Academy, will serve fourth through eighth graders. The school’s founders in their application said the two-hour, AI-powered model can condense the time students spend learning by personalizing instruction and removing “inefficiencies” that exist in traditional classrooms. An AI tutor gives each student individualized learning plans and ensures they master each concept before moving on, they said. “When you’re getting one-to-one personalized learning, it doesn’t take all day,” said co-founder MacKenzie Price. “Having a personal tutor is absolutely the best way for a student to learn. Unfortunately, that has not been possible in our traditional educational system.” Read the full article here
