Behind the Scenes of NewSchools Ignite: Science Learning Challenge

We were overwhelmed by the response we received in late July when we launched NewSchools Ignite and its first market gap focus, the Science Learning Challenge.  We had hundreds of media groups publish our press release and write articles about our new strategy, including TechCrunch, Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal, and an op-ed we […]

Introducing NewSchools Ignite: Accelerating Innovation in K-12 EdTech Market Gaps

In the edtech world, there is no shortage of talent or ideas. In fact, here at NewSchools, we have had the privilege of supporting some of the brightest minds building innovative tools to support K-12 teaching and learning. Nevertheless, educators nationwide report that in certain sectors there is a lack of high quality digital tools […]

Innovative Schools Need a Thriving Ecosystem of Digital Tools and Services

Innovative schools working toward an expanded definition of student success – in which ALL students graduate with a mastery of academic and critical life skills to achieve their most ambitious dreams – require sophisticated tools and services to help deliver personalized learning experiences for students and effectively leverage teachers’ time and talent.  Without the latest […]

Live from Summit 2015: Leveraging Teacher Insight in Ed Tech Design

Today at Summit 2015, Sara Allan from the Gates Foundation launched a new website, Teachers Know Best, which presents primary market research into teachers’ and students’ ed tech needs.  The site contains the summary results and underlying survey data from a K-12 ed tech market study and will serve as a platform to release future research studies.  Sara also […]

Trip Notes: SXSWedu 2015

Last week I was in Austin for SXSWedu, which I’ve attended every year since its launch. I thought I’d share some excerpts from my trip notes: Shark tank has jumped the shark at South-By. Several sessions used the popular television show for inspiration. Here’s a rundown on three of them: Teachers could pitch their classroom […]

Nepris and LinkedIn: A Win-Win Partnership to Engage Professionals to Inspire the Next Generation

According to LinkedIn surveys, 1 in 5 managers hire someone because of their volunteer experience. As the skills-based volunteering movement gains momentum, many people are looking for opportunities to use their skills and talents to effect change. Yet, many professionals struggle with finding these types of opportunities. LinkedIn is addressing this need by engaging professionals […]

New Research on Hispanic Families’ Use of Media for Learning from JGCC

The Joan Ganz Cooney Center released three reports that explore the diverse and growing Hispanic population in the U.S. and how these families are using media to promote learning at home. Aprendiendo en casa reveals findings from a national parent survey; Connecting to Learn recommends policy solutions to improve digital equity among low-income Hispanic families; and […]

NewSchools’ Strategy at a Glance

Over the past month, we have been sharing a couple of the pillars of our strategy going forward.  The infographic below captures our vision, rationale and approach in a more visual way.  We’re excited to share it, and even more excited about the work ahead. A quick note: in addition to these strategic focus areas, […]

Investing in Tools & Services that Support Innovative Schools

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been sharing some information about our investment strategy at NewSchools. In a January 13 blog post about innovative school models, I acknowledged we’re at the beginning of our work as an investor in schools that put more power in students’ hands and tailor learning to their individual needs. Then […]

ReimaginED 2015: Trends in K12 Education

ReimaginED 2015: Trends in K12 Education from David Havens   We’re living in a time of tremendous technological change. In the next five years, another billion people will gain access to the internet. By 2020, 80% of the adults on Earth will have a smartphone, double what it is today. [1] We started the Seed […]