Business Roundtable Education Blogs

Udacity: Blowing Away the Bricks and Mortar
A popular Stanford course on artificial intelligence that routinely attracts around 200 students, was recently offered free online to anyone who wanted to ‘attend’, writes Charlotte Allen in Has the Higher-Ed Revolution Begun? .... Continue reading → 

Charter Schools: A Dove Among the Pigeons
Our theme has been consistent: we must raise the level of our education performance.  One size does not fit all and more choice and flexibility is needed if we are to address New Zealand’s shameful rate of educational underachievement.... Continue reading  → 

How Good are Our Teachers?
I’ve followed with interest the progress of an ongoing Los Angeles Times project investigating and reporting on the effectiveness of the city’s schools and teachers. Since launching last year they’ve been analysing the last eight years’ maths and English test … Continue reading →

A Chance to Choose
Following the February earthquake, some Christchurch schools have been ‘hot desking’ at other schools, including Shirley Boys High School at Papanui High, and Avonside Girls at Burnside High. Although no doubt challenging and disruptive for all involved, it’s one of many … Continue reading →

Friday Graph: The Impact of Minimum Wages on Youth
This graph from a 1 July 2011 Wall Street Journal article tells a familiar story. The article explains that: This is a rotten summer for young Americans to find a job. The Department of Labor reported last week that a … Continue reading →

Friday Graph: Student Loans
Here is another graph from last week’s Budget. The accompanying text states: In 2010/11 the Crown will lend almost $1.6 billion to assist students, up 50% over the past five years. There are currently more than $12 billion of loans … Continue reading →

Education Vouchers Work
In 1992, Sweden introduced a major education reform whereby the government funds all schools – state and private, non-profit and for-profit – on the same basis. You can call it an education voucher system, although that adds nothing to understanding … Continue reading →