Our fascinating discussion on the future of educational choice winds up today (read the transcript). In the discussion, a couple of different threads are coming together.
The first is that there is enormous potential for more personalized learning and the educational landscape is changing—rapidly. Tom Vander Ark opened up the discussion with his prediction that “we’re headed for radical choice.”
But, this change is very uneven and while the traditional systems and institutions of education may be losing relevance, it’s still unclear exactly what is emerging alongside.
And, at the same time as our discussion, there is the very real tragedy of youth violence in Chicago that highlights the importance of communities and connections.
We don’t really have the option not to change. Affluent families have always provided a multitude of options and resources to customize education for their children. And, increasingly, with virtual school options and an immense treasure of Internet-based resources–over 150,000 students will take one or more classes online in Florida this year–students already want and are taking advantage of a multitude of options.
So, in this brave new world, how do we get the best possible result — a much more customized, responsive public education for all kids — and not the worst possible result — a diminished public educational system with even greater disparities in access, resources, and outcomes?
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The Course of Innovation: Using Technology to Transform Higher Education 
09/03/10 | Kris Amundson gives Virginia policymakers a true/false quiz on the condition of K-12 public education in the state.
09/02/10 | Elena Silva compares two proposals for the next generation of computer-based assessments funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
09/01/10 | Forrest Hinton explains why consumer choice and market forces are currently weak influences on higher education quality. 
09/01/10 | Chad Aldeman's and Kevin Carey's thoughts on value-added teacher evaluations are featured in The Atlantic
Why do you believe that continuing the government near-monopoly over K-12 education is the “best possible result”? I would argue that the best possible result would be to allow ALL parents (not just affluent ones) to be able to choose whatever type of schooling they feel is best for their own children- whether that’s at a government-run school, private school, religious school, or homeschool.
[...] Education Sector’s online discussion of school choice asks if we’re headed for “radical choice.” [...]