This Week in Startups Education’s war on excellence, AWS atrophy, France fines Google + AppHarvest’s Josh Lessing | E1245
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Jul 14, 2021 In this engaging discussion, Josh Lessing, CTO of AppHarvest and former CEO of Root AI, dives into the revolutionary role of AI and robotics in agriculture. He shares insights on how technology can combat climate change and enhance crop yields. The conversation also critiques the ongoing challenges in public education, highlighting the consequences of lowering academic standards. Additionally, the podcast touches on Amazon’s struggle with innovation amid corporate bureaucracy and discusses France's significant antitrust fine against Google.
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Importance of STEM Excellence
- Excellence in STEM education is crucial for a thriving startup ecosystem.
- Lowering standards to address inequity will negatively impact the US's competitive edge.
California's Education Framework
- California's education department is prioritizing "inequity" over merit.
- They're prohibiting sorting students by ability until high school, potentially harming both gifted and struggling students.
Thomas Jefferson High School Admissions
- Thomas Jefferson High School, a top-ranked public school, changed its admission policy.
- The change resulted in a significant drop in Asian-American student admissions, raising concerns about discrimination.