9 Comments
Mar 7, 2023Liked by Michael B. Horn

We have been derelict as a sector in not pointing out why Higher Education learning & services basically stayed on track during COVID while we basically demolished K-12 - whether reopening happened fast or slow. The reason? The evil for-profit post-secondary school sector drove massive investment in tech infrastructure and competition pushed recalcitrant traditional institutions to adopt at least a minimum of tech infrastructure (CRMs, etc ..). The result? Learning - different for sure - was never disrupted in post-secondary. We should be screaming about how the “evil” sector saved our asses during COVID - allowed every college to pivot to remote instruction & hybrid eventually with minimal interruptions.

Expand full comment
Mar 6, 2023Liked by Michael B. Horn

Well articulated Michael. Incredible frustration triggered by misguided zealots.

Expand full comment
Mar 6, 2023Liked by Michael B. Horn

Excellent, complete article. A must read to fully understand the multilevels that will be affected reversly on many levels.

Expand full comment
Mar 6, 2023Liked by Michael B. Horn

Right on. There are much simpler methods to control quality in education, and specifically to ensure student loan funds are properly managed.

Expand full comment

I disagree, Michael! Despite our common HBS background, I think profit is a poor motive for helping kids, because it too often winds up incenting the wrong things (Trump U. anyone?) and seeking size and scale where it shouldn't (large-scale competitive sports?). On the other hand, tying payment to performance (i.e. colleges paid only on contingency of kids being measurably helped) may be a good thing—if we can figure out useful metrics (e.g. getting hired and retained at something you want to do?) The incentive for large companies to invent ways to sell into the huge school-related market at high margins is huge. Perhaps, at the least, any company contracted with should either be a not-for-profit or have a not-for-profit subsidiary. Or do you think the whole not-for-profit concept (and the regulation it entails) is wrong? Is profit the best motive for bringing up young people?

Expand full comment