To understand the state of education today, it is important to examine recent test scores.
- OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which measures 15-year-olds’ ability to use their reading, mathematics, and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges, recently published its 2022 scores. They highlight an urgent need for educational innovation and indicate a troubling decrease in the average math scores of U.S. students — 13 points since the onset of the pandemic and 18 points from the first PISA math test in 2003.
- These results are mirrored on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as “The Nation’s Report Card.” The NAEP data show that only a third of students in the fourth and eighth grades achieved proficiency in reading and math.
- Another concerning trend from NAEP is that students who are academically at risk, those scoring in the bottom quartile, experienced a more significant achievement decline compared to their high-performing peers. Viewing the results from a social equity perspective, proficiency attainment for lower-income students, identified by their eligibility for free or reduced lunch programs, were less than half of those of students from higher-income families.
LEARNER VARIABILITY
Unfortunately, our educational system has not evolved to address the diverse learning needs present both across schools and within each classroom, resulting in the need for new solutions. The immensity of the economic challenge to our future workforce and our economy dictates the urgency to innovate our approach to education.
“Breaking With the Past: Embracing Digital Transformation in Education,” a publication from Digital Promise (a nonprofit organization originated by the U.S. Congress as part of the 2008 reauthorization of the Higher Education Opportunity Act), posits that recognizing learner variability is crucial to any teaching and learning framework. Educational technology (ed tech) offers the potential to address learner variability by providing teachers the data they need to create personalized, engaging, and adaptive learning experiences — at scale — that cater to each student’s unique needs.
Expanded commitment to early education is backed by groundbreaking research from James Heckman, a professor and economist at the University of Chicago. His Nobel Prize-winning study discovered that the most effective and efficient societal investments in education are those made in early childhood. Based on these findings, many states are intensifying their focus and investment in early education programs.
As of 2023, the integration of technology in early education is on the rise. With more digital tools at their disposal, states are funding innovative educational solutions to enrich early learning experiences. These initiatives and increased funding for early education across states are strategic endeavors to secure long-term benefits for individuals and the broader society.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH
For ed-tech solutions to be truly effective, they must be grounded in robust research and empirical evidence. As technology becomes an integral part of classroom learning, these tools must be supported by credible research. The Department of Education underscores the necessity of basing ed-tech decisions on rigorous evidence to ensure they genuinely enhance student outcomes. Further, a report from the EdTech Evidence Exchange highlights the pressing need for better dissemination of information on effective technology solutions, thereby aiding educators in discerning which solutions are most likely to bolster learning and engagement for their students. By steadfastly advocating for evidence-driven ed-tech solutions, educators and policymakers can guarantee that technological advancements not only transform education but also yield tangible, positive results for students in our swiftly evolving digital economy.
In an age characterized by profound accelerations, the value of human capital becomes even more pronounced. As we navigate these rapid transformations, the importance of nurturing and expanding our collective knowledge, skills, and attributes is undeniable. The integration of technology in education serves as a testament to our adaptability and our pursuit of accelerated learning.
While we face challenges, the convergence of education and technology offers a beacon of hope. By harnessing the potential of AI and ed tech, we are not only adapting to our changing world but also investing in our most valuable asset: human capital. Through collaboration among educators, technologists, and policymakers, we are laying the foundation for a future where every individual, irrespective of their background, has the knowledge and skills to rise to the challenges of rapid change to achieve their fullest potential, benefiting both themselves and society at large.
Sunil Gunderia is chief innovation officer and head of mastery and adaptive products at Age of Learning.
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