In honor of Black History Month, I have been sharing Twitter profiles for black educators whom I admire and from whom I learn constantly. (Twitter is, by far, the best PLN out there… and it’s free.)

What black educators do you follow? Please let us know!

Chris Emdin, professor of urban education, urban educator, founder of #HipHopEd

Can hip hop provide a culturally relevant door into deep learning? Chris Emdin proves that the answer is a resounding yes. His books, TED talk, and conference appearances are highly sought and frequently referenced by those who believe in the power of pedagogy to transform lives.

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“Hawken buys Montessori campus in University Circle for new Mastery School,” by Patrick O’Donnell, in the Plain Dealer

“Hawken hopes students will work with non-profit, educational, cultural and medical organizations already in University Circle or in the surrounding Glenville neighborhood on real social or neighborhood issues.”

Why does this matter to the future of learning?

The Hawken School (Cleveland) was behind the establishment of the Mastery Transcript Consortium. This new move represents a doubling—or a tripling—down on the proposition of mastery-based learning. Even better, students will develop mastery through projects that address the wider Cleveland community.

The school of the future will be about mastery, not grades. Is your school preparing for the future?

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”Sal Khan envisions a future of active, mastery-based learning,” by Emily Ann Brown, in District Administration

“I hope in five years we can start developing a global credential that would prove a student’s knowledge and create recognition for students anywhere they go.”

Why does this matter to the future of learning?

The good news: if Khan Academy (and others) can offer digital resources, curated learning, and meaningful credentials, then underserved learners can catch up to better resourced peers.

The bad news: schools that differentiate themselves via academics will have new competition.

The business of education is credentialing. To be clear, not the mission, not the deep purpose. But the business logic is credentialing. Whether it’s Khan Academy, Global Online Academy, One Schoolhouse, or any of the other online learning platforms, these credentials have the potential to disrupt bricks-and-mortar schools.

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“Vermont’s Green Mountain College to close—and others are on the rocks,” by James Patterson, in Education Dive

“As Green Mountain makes accommodations for students ahead of its closure, two other Vermont colleges are reportedly on the rocks. The Barre Montpelier Times Argus reported that Goddard College and the College of St. Joseph have each been placed on probation by their accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), due to financial concerns. Other small colleges, including public institutions, in the state have cut staff or merged.”

Why does this matter to the future of learning?

Also in recent news: Hampshire College has decided not to admit any more students to next year’s freshman class (they will retain a program for their early admission students). Hampshire is hoping to merge with another institution, because they don’t believe they can remain solvent on their own.

These episodes are canaries in the coal mine. As higher ed closures and mergers increase pace, they will place pressure on surviving institutions to accelerate innovation to make themselves relevant and viable.

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Question of the week:

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