How Microschools Unbundle Traditional Schooling, with Don Soifer

Summary

Don Soifer, CEO of the National Microschooling Center, discusses the growth and potential of microschools in education. He highlights the diverse models and innovative approaches within the microschooling sector, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and technology-based models. Don emphasizes the importance of personalization and flexibility in education, allowing for individualized learning experiences and meeting the specific needs of learners. He also discusses the regulatory challenges that microschools face, such as zoning and permitting, and the need for modernizing the regulatory frameworks to support the growth of microschools. Don envisions a future where education is more dynamic, responsive to the changing needs of learners, and aligned with the demands of the 21st-century economy.

Takeaways

Microschools offer diverse models and innovative approaches to education, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and technology-based models.

Personalization and flexibility are key in microschools, allowing for individualized learning experiences and meeting the specific needs of learners.

Regulatory challenges, such as zoning and permitting, can hinder the growth of microschools, and there is a need to modernize the regulatory frameworks to support their development.

The future of education lies in a more dynamic and responsive system that prepares learners for the demands of the 21st-century economy.

Collaboration and sharing of ideas among microschool leaders and educators are crucial for the growth and success of the microschooling movement.

Sound Bites

"Microschooling are about creating options and learning opportunities that aren't available in traditional schooling."

"Technology empowers the ability to truly personalize education to the individual needs of learners."

"Microschools are proving to be innovative in demonstrating their impact through technology and observation-based methods."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Don Soifer and Microschools

03:27 Shifts and Trends in Microschooling

07:48 Demand and Supply in Microschooling

11:22 Cautionary Tales from the Charter School Movement

13:52 The Role of Technology in Microschools

15:30 Unbundling and Personalization in Microschooling

20:06 Unconventional and Refreshing Microschool Models

24:19 Hurdles and Constraints in Microschooling

27:59 Accelerating the Microschooling Movement

33:11 Envisioning the Future of Microschools