THE DEATH OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

The traditional education system is the last remaining dinosaur on the planet: big, slow, ancient, and doomed to extinction threatening to destroy in agony everyone who happens to be nearby. In the past, the system was rather effective, it was designed to produce a workforce that was literate, numerate, and able to follow instructions. But the world has changed. The skills that were once essential are irrelevant and obsolete now.

OLD RUSTY WRENCH

Education system still tries to fit everyone into the same mold, focusing on rote memorization and standardized testing, regardless of children's individual talents, interests, and abilities. Traditional education insists on turning students into walking encyclopedias, memorizing facts and spewing them out on cue. Congratulations, you've just transformed a bright young mind into a Wikipedia page with legs. It's like learning to swim by reading a book about it – it just doesn't work.

CHILDREN ARE FIRST TO SUFFER

As a result of the heavily outdated approach, students’ engagement is declining, making modern education an even bigger disaster.

A recent study by Gallup found that only 30% of students in the United States are engaged in school. This is down from 41% in 2000.

The world is changing faster than ever before, and the education system is struggling to keep up. Employers are increasingly seeking skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability, which are often underemphasized in traditional education.

The workforce landscape is evolving rapidly. A report by the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, over 50% of all employees will need significant re-skilling.

RISE OF ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

In response to the failures of the traditional education system, a new wave of alternative education is emerging. These schools are designed to meet the needs of today's students. They use innovative teaching methods that are engaging and effective. Their students are encouraged to be creative, exceptional critical thinkers, and problem solvers. They are able to work independently and collaborate with others. They learn new things quickly and adapt to change.

As a clear indication of the impending shift, in 2020-2023, educational technology (EdTech) startups  received more than $50 billion in venture capital funding globally. Investors are placing their bets on innovative, tech-driven education solutions.

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL

Alternative education is gaining popularity rapidly for its undeniable effectiveness. Parents who care about their children generally are choosing to send them to alternative schools, looking for a better education option, one that will prepare their kids for the future. 

A study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) found that individuals with certificates obtained through alternative education earn 20% more than those with only a traditional education diploma.

There is a growing body of evidence that students following alternative education approaches, such as personalized learning, project-based learning, and competency-based education, are more successful and satisfied with their lives than those from traditional schools. They have stronger parental satisfaction, are more likely to enroll in post-secondary education and have 10% higher graduation rates. 

For example, a study by the University of Chicago found that students who participated in a personalized learning program outperformed students in traditional classrooms both in math and reading.

Another study, published in the Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT), found that personalized online instruction led to a 36% improvement in student performance. 

SINK OR SWIM

Unfortunately, it seems that the old system is here to stay for a little bit longer. While the rest of the world evolves, a lot of people prefer to stay in their cozy traditional cocoon, like clinging to an old flip phone while everyone else is on the latest iPhone.

It's high time we reconsider our approach and embrace innovation. In order to learn and achieve success today, you have to choose a school that is designed for the 21st century, not a traditional one. The choice is simple: sink or swim in the stormy river of modern technology.