EdTech 10: Super Schools

The world is a-buzz with the news of the 10 XQ Super Schools. $100M to #RethinkHighSchool?! That’s is SUPER! And on target.
Our own Mary Ryerse was honored to be one of the judges. She explains, “With deep respect for the Super Schools, it is important to note that XQ — by design — is not only about the challenge: it is about a movement to improve education to better serve students. There have and will be ways for all to engage and learn together.”.

H.S. Redesign Projects Win $100M in ‘XQ Super School’ Contest https://t.co/ICYFGaEcIt #education

— Education Week (@educationweek) September 15, 2016

Check out Mary’s thoughts on the XQ winners, then head to this week’s top ten news stories that offer some more super news about teaching and learning

Cool Schools & Tools

1. NTN Outcomes Report

#NewTechNetwork is creating a nation proud of its public schools. See the data https://t.co/5HFXIAVJ6N #edchat pic.twitter.com/oCs5FdfKj6

— New Tech Network (@newtechnetwork) September 12, 2016

Please help us share the Twitter love on this report–here’s a sample tweet for you to copy:
2016 Outcomes Report shows #Ss from @newtechnetwork graduate HS at a rate of 9 percentage points greater than national average http://newtechnetwork.org/impact/#annualoutcomesreport

Digital Developments

2. EdTech Evolution

What’s the state of #edtech evolution? Dive into the State of Edtech with our new release! https://t.co/hxOYui2LfC pic.twitter.com/6LGNsKiFWA

— EdSurge (@EdSurge) September 14, 2016

3. EdTech Futures Report

new #EdTech futures report from @CoSN @NMCorg https://t.co/eXX3l2pqGE pic.twitter.com/s8OKtZJ4YE

— Tom Vander Ark (@tvanderark) September 16, 2016

Looking to choose new EdTech for your school or district? Here are five questions to ask potential edtech partners.

Dollars & Deals

4. $8.5 M to Guild Education

Congrats @GuildEducation, @rach_r_carlson!
Guild Education draws $8.5 million in Series A funding led by Redpoint https://t.co/zhKn6n64AV

— Graham Forman (@grahamforman) September 19, 2016

btw, Rachel is a super talented founder with edu in her genes. Her grandfather is Roy Romer, former CO governor and LA superintendent and her dad Chris is a long time edu leader in Denver and founder of American Honors (a 2+2 program).

Power of Place

5. Into the Woods

Great #PlaceBasedEd piece today in @TheAtlantic! Forest classroom? Yes, please. https://t.co/hhs4ZQpkU8 pic.twitter.com/pR0Cilo7C0

— Carri Schneider (@CarriSchneider) September 16, 2016

Have a Place-Based Education story about learning in the community? We want to hear from you! Click here to learn more about submitting a guest blog to our #PlaceBasedEd campaign.

Smart Planet

6. UN on Equity and Education Outcomes

#UN considers proposal on goals/indicators for #education outcomes & #equity. A snapshot at what they’re considering https://t.co/5AONe82Zxw

— iNACOL (@nacol) September 20, 2016

We think the UN’s #GlobalGoals should frame projects for every secondary and postsecondary learner. Add big data (Cause + Code) and you’ve got a powerful formula for impact.

Higher, Deeper, Further Learning

7. MITx MicroMasters

New #MicroMasters programs on @edXOnline modularizing grad degrees while offering industry-endorsed certifications https://t.co/J5z4PB2qVY

— ChristensenInstitute (@ChristensenInst) September 20, 2016

Check out ways 15 HigherEd personas help reshape learner experience.

Policy Pieces

8. #ESSA Update

#ESSA Update: iNACOL & @KnowledgeWorks submit comments on Innovative #Assessment Pilot under #ESSA https://t.co/gTAdfJ6avA #policy

— iNACOL (@nacol) September 20, 2016

Are your district finances ready for ESSA? Check out these three requirements districts will need to show before additional federal dollars can supplement state and local funds.
After many months of planning Aspen Institute and CASEL launched a National Commission for Social, Emotion al, and Academic Development. They’ll spend the next two years trying to build some momentum around common definitions and measurements for SEL.

Smart Parents

9. BIE Parent Booklet

New Book! Project Based Learning: Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Engaging Them Today https://t.co/98QHhKH3Bn #PBL pic.twitter.com/HX70qmlcwC

— Buck Inst. for Ed (@BIEpbl) September 20, 2016

10. Digital Citizenship and Parenting

The Mentorship Manifesto https://t.co/z91qdXl4Jr vía @DevorahHeitner #education #motherhood #family

— Maria Zabala (@iWomanish) September 20, 2016

Get your copy of Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning (and give one to all your friends with kids).
For more, see:

• Closing the Opportunity Gap at Cross County High School
• Smart Review | littleBits STEAM Student Set & STEAM Teacher PD
• Choosing Camp Counseling for Career Readiness

Stay in-the-know with all things EdTech and innovations in learning by signing up to receive the weekly Smart Update. This post includes mentions of a Getting Smart partner. For a full list of partners, affiliate organizations and all other disclosures please see our Partner page.