The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified 476. Fixing Education with a Startup Mentality: The Innovative Micro Schools-Model Backed by Founders Fund, Khosla, and Sam Altman (Ryan Delk)
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Mar 31, 2025 
Ryan Delk, CEO of Primer and former leader at Omni and Gumroad, dives into the challenges facing the American education system. He advocates for micro schools, emphasizing their potential to reshape learning experiences. Delk discusses the significance of personalized education and the empowerment of teachers. He also critiques funding disparities and explores how data can enhance educational outcomes. With a focus on individual student needs, he highlights innovative models that prioritize both academic rigor and emotional well-being.
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Origin of Primer
- Ryan Delk's mother founded one of the first micro schools in Florida due to a lack of better options.
- This experience shaped his vision for Primer, aiming to scale the micro-school model nationwide.
Standardization Issues
- Standardizing education across diverse states and communities is inherently challenging.
- A more diverse range of educational models is needed, emphasizing student agency.
Declining Outcomes
- American education outcomes are declining, with less than 40% of fourth graders proficient in reading and math.
- Increased spending is directed towards non-teaching expenses, not improving student outcomes.