TED Talks Daily Schools urgently need a redesign. Here's how | Aylon Samouha
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Dec 9, 2025 
Aylon Samouha, an education innovator and leader at Transcend, advocates for a radical redesign of K–12 education. He discusses how ‘fine’ schools signal lost potential and emphasizes the importance of engaging students in real-world problem-solving. Samouha highlights the need for a community-first approach in school design and shares inspiring examples, like Brooklyn STEAM and Van Ness Elementary, demonstrating successful project-based learning. He believes technology, when paired with thoughtful design, can enhance education and ignite a sense of belonging.
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Studio-Style Brooklyn STEAM
- At Brooklyn STEAM students create real products like marketing campaigns and safe website hacking with industry partners.
- Aylon Samouha describes the school as an engineering studio where students earn diplomas and industry credentials while building networks.
'Fine' Signals Fading Potential
- Most students report school is boring or merely "fine," showing engagement collapses with age.
- Aylon Samouha argues schools were designed for the factory age and no longer fit today's learning needs.
Use Community-Based Design
- Use community-based design to blend local wisdom with research-backed practices when redesigning schools.
- Aylon Samouha recommends engaging students, families, educators, and employers to create human, enduring change.