Kicking off our 9th Season of Trending in Education, we are joined by James Rhyu, CEO of Stride, Inc., formerly known as K12. With 25 years of experience in the education technology space, Stride offers unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of K-12 education.
James, who began his career in accounting and finance, found his way to education through a personal situation and a fortunate job offer. Now in his 13th year with the company, he has developed a deep appreciation for the needs of families in education. We discuss how the pandemic has altered perceptions of online learning. While many families faced challenges during this time, it also opened up new possibilities in education. James stresses the importance of acknowledging teachers’ efforts during this difficult period.
The conversation shifts to personalized learning and the role of AI in education. James warns against rushing to implement AI without careful consideration, especially in K-12 education where error rates could have significant impacts on children’s learning.
We delve into Stride’s approach to personalized learning, which includes not only academic content but also addressing students’ emotional and physical needs. James envisions a future where AI can help create individualized learning plans and assist teachers with administrative tasks like lesson planning.
The discussion expands to the idea of treating families as customers in education. James advocates for giving families more choices and respecting their understanding of what is best for their children. He draws parallels to other industries that have evolved to be more customer-focused over the past 25 years.
Looking ahead, James sees innovation as crucial to enhancing the educational experience. This could involve offering more flexibility in learning formats, effectively integrating technology, and adapting to how students consume information through short-form videos and gaming.
We conclude with James’s advice for listeners, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning along with pursuing passion and taking risks. He also calls for depoliticizing education and focusing on what is best for children and families.
As we wrap up, James reminds us that K-12 education is about the future of our country and our children. He urges us to set aside political differences and focus on what truly matters – the kids.
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