What if kids could master their academics in just two hours a day and spend the rest of their time developing real-world skills they’re passionate about? Joe Liemandt, founder of the software company Trilogy, is doing just that. Sarah Guo and Elad Gil are joined by Joe Liemandt, principal of Alpha School, to discuss his AI-driven vision of reinventing K-12 education. Joe talks about the strategies that Alpha School employs: reducing the traditional six-hour school day to two, replacing teachers with “Guides,” using financial incentives as motivation, and dedicating the remainder of the school day to project-based workshops that reflect the students’ passions. Together, they also examine Joe’s plan to scale Alpha School, the youth mental health crisis, and why edtech so far has failed.
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Chapters:
00:00 – Joe Liemandt Introduction
00:27 – From Trilogy to Alpha School
02:45 – How Joe Changed His Mind About Alpha School
04:16 – Reenvisioning the School Day
09:06 – An Example Day at Alpha School
20:13 – Educating Based on Motivations
22:56 – Incentives-Based Learning
24:40 – Standards for Guides
26:39 – Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivators
35:12 – Tackling Learning Differences
39:13 – Alpha School Pricing Structure
43:08 – Education Tech at Alpha School
44:54 – Rebuilding Education in the AI Age
48:43 – Reforming Education Policy
56:25 – Ed Tech as a Product
58:58 – Fixing Gaps in Education
59:45 – Why Education is Joe’s Mission
01:01:49 – Conclusion
