#82 – Sal Khan – Books

The Future of High School: Exploring the Khan World School

Introduction: Revolutionizing Education with Khan Academy and Khan Lab School

Sal Khan, renowned for his educational endeavors, including the globally recognized Khan Academy, discussed his latest project, Khan World School, with Steve Levitt on the “People I (Mostly) Admire” podcast. This ambitious initiative aims to redefine high school education, leveraging the success of Khan Academy and the innovative Khan Lab School.

Khan Academy: A Paradigm Shift in Education

Khan Academy has transformed the educational landscape with its digital platform. Boasting over 140 million registered users, it offers personalized learning experiences from pre-K through college. The platform’s efficiency, costing about 30 cents per student hour of learning compared to $15 in U.S. public schools, demonstrates its significant cost-effectiveness. Moreover, studies indicate that students engaging with Khan Academy for even 30 minutes a week progress twice as fast as non-users.

Khan Lab School: A Model for Modern Education

Khan Lab School, established in 2014, represents Sal Khan’s vision of reimagining education. It focuses on personalized and mastery learning, where students learn at their own pace and master topics before advancing. This model contrasts with traditional schooling’s pace and competency approaches. The school’s success is evident in its graduates, who exhibit robust academic mastery and have secured placements in prestigious universities like MIT and UC Berkeley.

Khan World School: The Next Evolution

Khan World School, set to open in August 2022 for 200 ninth graders, expands the reach of Khan’s educational philosophy. It combines the strengths of Khan Lab School with virtual schooling, offering an innovative online high school experience. Key features include:

1. Daily Seminars: These involve hour-long discussions on significant topics, ranging from CRISPR’s impact on the human genome to democracy’s evolution. The seminars encourage critical thinking and cross-disciplinary learning.
2. Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning: The school balances video conferencing with independent study, utilizing platforms like Slack for community interaction and support.
3. Partnership with Arizona State University: This collaboration brings operational expertise and the potential for college credit, enhancing the school’s credibility and reach.

Accessibility and Cost

Khan World School will be free for Arizona students, thanks to a partnership with ASU. For others, the cost is set at $10,000 per year, significantly lower than other online high schools catering to ambitious students.

Future Prospects and Global Impact

Khan envisions a hybrid model where online content is complemented by physical spaces for social interaction, potentially making the school a model for global education reform. His long-term goal is to ensure that such innovative educational models are accessible to a broader audience, impacting students worldwide.

Daily Seminars: Fostering Critical Thinking and Discourse

A standout feature of Khan World School is the daily seminar, a 15-person, hour-long discussion on important contemporary issues. These seminars, developed in collaboration with the University of Chicago’s Risk Center, cover a range of topics from geopolitical shifts to extraterrestrial life, using tools like the Drake Equation to stimulate critical thinking and cross-disciplinary learning. Importantly, these seminars don’t just deliver content; they challenge students to interpret data, consider different perspectives, and engage in meaningful discourse. The approach is designed to develop sophisticated thinkers, well-prepared for the complexities of the modern world.

Writing Assignments: Beyond Traditional Essays

The school’s writing assignments encourage students to explore diverse forms of writing, from editorials to scientific papers, breaking away from the traditional focus on literary analysis. Students are encouraged to write on topics they are passionate about, making their work relevant and engaging. Peer review plays a significant role, allowing students to refine their ideas and present them effectively. This approach aims to make students’ writing more impactful, encouraging them to contribute to blogs, local newspapers, or online platforms like Quora.

Hybrid Model: Blending Online and Physical Spaces

Looking ahead, Khan envisions a hybrid model for the school, combining online learning with physical spaces in various cities for social interaction and community building. This model aims to provide the best of both worlds – the global access of online education and the personal connection of in-person experiences. It is a forward-thinking approach that recognizes the value of both digital and physical learning environments.

Affordability and Accessibility

Khan World School is committed to making its innovative education accessible. Students in Arizona can attend for free, thanks to a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). For others, the annual fee is set at $10,000, comparatively lower than other online schools offering similar opportunities. The school is exploring ways to expand this model to more states and make the education as affordable as possible for families worldwide.

The Future of Khan World School

The future of Khan World School looks promising, with potential expansions and adaptations of its model. The school, functioning as a not-for-profit, aims to maximize its educational impact rather than focusing on profit. Its success could influence other educational institutions to adopt similar innovative approaches, particularly its emphasis on critical thinking, real-world relevance, and global accessibility.

Vision for the Future: Shaping World-Changers

Sal Khan expresses a deep commitment to the students of Khan World School, emphasizing his belief that these students are capable of changing the world. He highlights the importance of continuous support for these students, even beyond high school, to help them achieve their full potential and make significant contributions to society.

The Impact of Peer Influence

The conversation underscores the profound impact of peer groups on a student’s development. Sal Khan and Steve Levitt discuss how being surrounded by motivated and intelligent peers can elevate a student’s aspirations and achievements. This aspect is crucial in Khan World School, where the student body is envisioned to consist of future world leaders and innovators.

Addressing Parental Concerns

For parents hesitant about enrolling their children in a new and unconventional school, Sal Khan reassures them by pointing to the track record of Khan Academy and Khan Lab School. He stresses that the same level of commitment and quality will be applied to Khan World School. The school aims to provide a unique educational experience, leveraging the resources and expertise of major educational institutions like ASU.

Long-term Goals and Hybrid Model

Looking ahead, Sal Khan envisions a hybrid model for the school, combining online education with physical spaces in key locations for social interactions and community building. This approach aims to offer the best of both online and in-person experiences. The school’s growth plan includes expanding its reach and potentially influencing other educational institutions to adopt similar models.

Scholarship Opportunity

To support students who are enthusiastic about the innovative approach of Khan World School, Steve Levitt announces a personal scholarship fund. He pledges to cover the first year’s tuition for five ninth graders who demonstrate a compelling interest in attending the school. This gesture highlights the excitement and commitment surrounding the school’s launch.