The Rant

Unlock the potential of online education as Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Academic Partnerships, joins us to reveal how his company is helping regional universities reach more learners through online programs. This episode promises a deep exploration into how AP is broadening access to affordable, career-centric programs, especially in vital sectors like nursing and education. We dissect the online program management (OPM) industry and its pivotal role in supporting regional universities to launch and sustain successful online programs, ensuring they are not only competitive but also addressing the pressing demand for skilled professionals.Experience the strategic conversation around the recent acquisition of Wiley University Services by Academic Partnerships, and how this move amplifies the benefits of scale, advancing technology, and infrastructure to better connect employers with universities and students. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of higher education, as we examine the intricacies of forming educational partnerships that are crucial for social mobility and career advancement. Fernando's insights provide a unique window into the transformative power of scale in the education sector and the positive ripple effects it creates across regions.As we wrap up, Fernando casts a light on the nuanced impacts of regulation in education and the essential balance between protecting students and enabling universities to thrive. We probe into the shift towards more transparent fee-for-service models and how Academic Partnerships champions student success through their collaborations. This episode is an invaluable resource for grasping the complexities of policy, regulation, and the future direction of the OPM marketplace. Don't miss Fernando's thought leadership on these critical issues that shape the academic journeys of countless aspiring professionals.

Prepare to navigate the latest currents in workforce development as I, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, team up with Matt Gandal of Education Strategy Group to dissect the monumental federal funding flow reshaping education and job training. The CHIPS Act and the Infrastructure Act are more than economic boosters; they are the architects of a skilled workforce for future jobs. We'll discuss the vital role played by states in harnessing these funds, with a spotlight on the innovative strategies unfolding in California and Texas that are forging strong career pathways, ensuring educational programs are in sync with genuine job opportunities.The conversation shifts to Michigan's forward-thinking initiatives that are redefining adult education. Here, we'll explore game-changing programs offering free tuition and expanded assistance for adult learners, challenging the traditional image of college students and prioritizing upward economic movement. We’ll also tackle the heated debate on short-term Pell grants and how, with rigorous checks, they could significantly strengthen the workforce.To wrap up, we'll examine how community colleges and tech industry giants are collaborating to create seamless transitions from education to employment. I share insights into Ohio’s and New York’s proactive initiatives that are setting the stage for a thriving local workforce, and we call upon communities to strategically align educational efforts with the burgeoning job market to ensure opportunities are not just generated but made accessible to everyone. Join us for a conversation that's as much about the future of education as it is about the evolving economic landscape.https://edstrategy.org/

Listen to this episode to unlock the future of education and workforce development with me, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, as we explore a groundbreaking bipartisan initiative that could transform the Pell Grant program. This isn't just another policy discussion; it's a glimpse into an educational revolution where short-term credentials are poised to redefine our approach to upskilling and reskilling America's workforce. I'll guide you through the complexities and potential of this legislation, unpacking the pivotal role community and technical colleges can play, while also tackling the tough questions around funding and the risk of for-profit exploitation.But that's just the start. We're also setting our sights on the technological horizon with a preview of the ASU GSV Summit and the AIR Show in San Diego. As a veteran attendee, I'll share firsthand insights into the AI-driven innovations that are shaking up learning technologies and how they're creating unprecedented access to education. It's time to think big, beyond the bounds of traditional classrooms, and prepare for the tidal wave of change set to reshape our educational institutions. So, whether you're a leader in higher education or simply passionate about the evolution of learning, this episode is your ticket to the forefront of innovation.

Summary:Embark on a captivating journey with esteemed guest Ajita Talwalkar Menon, the trailblazing President and CEO of Calbright College, as she shares her inspiring educational odyssey on this episode of our podcast. Ajita's personal story as a student organizer and her influential role within the Obama administration make her insights on equity and innovation in higher education truly riveting. Join us as we discuss Calbright College's remarkable growth, the seismic shift towards skills-based hiring, and the recent accreditation that validates its quality and potential. Discover how Calbright is leading the national conversation on public higher education and redefining the workforce through its innovative educational models.In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the fascinating future of skills-based hiring and the impact it has on transforming the workforce. Hear about Calbright College's significant achievements and its role in equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-influenced economic landscape. We delve into the synergies between Calbright's initiatives and California's educational vision, highlighting the importance of reimagining higher education to meet the demands of an ever-evolving future. Emphasizing the college's commitment to both technical and essential human skills, we uncover how Calbright is pioneering educational innovation for the public good through collaboration and responsible experimentation.Join us in the final chapter as we discuss the evolving role of community colleges and their potential to be the vanguard of transformative education. We explore the importance of innovative approaches, responsible experimentation, and collaboration between institutions to address the tactical challenges of improving learner outcomes. Discover how Calbright College invites innovators to partner with them and participate in competitions aimed at engaging adult learners through technology. With the right investment and structure, community colleges like Calbright can lead the way in educational innovation for the public good. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on the power of equity, innovation, and collaboration in higher education.https://www.calbright.edu/

Prepare to have your assumptions about standardized testing turned on their head as Eloy Ortiz Oakley digs into the heart of the SAT debate with insights from Jon Boeckenstedt and Akil Bello. This riveting discussion slices through the veil of media advocacy for high-stakes exams, revealing potential biases and the untold stories behind the statistics. As we pick apart a recent New York Times piece by David Leonhardt, the episode raises questions about the College Board's influence and the reliance on flawed data in the fight to keep the SAT relevant. Our guests don't hold back, confronting misinformation and dismantling the simplistic narrative that standardized tests are the golden ticket to fair college admissions.The conversation shifts gears to confront the real-life hurdles overshadowing GPAs and SATs in determining college success. As Eloy, Jon, and Akil expose the College Board's aggressive marketing strategies, listeners are prompted to consider whether educators' assessments carry more weight than standardized metrics. This chapter peels back the layers of contradiction between the value placed on teacher evaluations and the perceived necessity for standardized benchmarks. The episode also questions the impact of grade inflation and emerging AI technologies like ChatGPT on the educational landscape, and whether these factors are mere distractions from the more pressing issues facing students today.Wrapping up the dialogue, our insightful trio handles the hot-button topic of grade inflation and the burgeoning trend of test-optional policies with finesse. Dive into a conversation that challenges the notion that an uptick in GPA reflects diminishing standards, and hear directly from a university representative about Oregon State's experience transitioning to test-optional admissions. This episode doesn't just skim the surface—it explores the intertwined layers of education reform, cultural narratives, and the political theater influencing university policies. Join us on The Rant for a no-holds-barred exploration into the complex world of standardized testing and its place in higher education.

Embark on a transformative journey with the 12th Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, as we traverse his remarkable path from the classrooms of Connecticut to the summit of educational policy. Our conversation uncovers the tidal waves of change he's championed, including the revamp of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the battle against the for-profit education sector's predatory tactics. With over $136 billion in student debt erased, a new dawn has arrived for countless Americans, and we're here to narrate this pivotal chapter. Dr. Cardona brings to light the critical need for accessible education financing, the necessity for clarity in aid information, and the vital role of educational institutions in stemming the tide of rising tuition costs and the student debt crisis.Tune in to hear how the SAVE program emerges as a beacon of hope, providing borrowers a lifeline through repayment plans that guard against the daunting shadows of overwhelming interest. Dr. Cardona's insights, shaped by his personal odyssey and professional convictions, serve as a guiding star for learners across the nation. We lay out the next steps for those grappling with student loan debt and invite you to join the discourse by sharing your voice in our comments. Whether you're affected by student loans or invested in the future of education policy, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and resources. Subscribe, engage, and let the wisdom of Secretary Cardona illuminate your understanding of the complex world of education finance.SAVE Program Link, https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan

In this episode I reflect on our recent topics and guests and thank our audience for continuing to tune in. I also announce our new, founding sponsors, Arizona State University, ReUp, OpenClassrooms and Ellucian. We are proud to partner with these sponsors and their support will ensure that we continue to cover important topics and find great guests. Finally, I talk about what our audience can expect in the coming episodes. www.4leggedmedia.com

In this episode I dive into the state of black learners in America and the very troubling trends in their enrollment and completion that undermine our nations economic strength. I talk with two great leaders who are working to improve the how higher education leaders and policymakers value and support black learners and create greater economic value through a great post-secondary experience. Zakiya Ellis Smith is the Principal at EducationCounsel and Michael Sorrell is the President of Paul Quinn College, a private HBCU in Dallas, Texas. Both Zakiya and Michael are tireless advocates for students and their work to improve outcomes for Black Learners is well known. This is an important and engaging conversation with two great higher education thought leaders.

In this episode, I talk with Phil Hill, Ed Tech market watcher and writer of the Phil on Ed Tech newsletter. We discuss Short-Term Pell and get into the OPM industry. Will 2U survive? Tune in to hear Phil's take on the finances of the OPM giant, 2U. We also discuss the growth of online enrollments in community colleges and what advice he would give the Under Secretary of Education.

In this episode, I talk with Rachel Fishman, acting Director of Higher Education at New America. I ask Rachel about the bipartisan House proposal to create a short-term Pell program and discuss her concerns about the proposal. We also discuss the latest New American survey, Varying Degrees, about the changing perceptions of Americans regarding the value of a higher education. 

In this episode, I talk with Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage.  Michael and I talk about the transformation of Cengage, a well known global higher education publishing company. Michael has been leading the transformation Cengage from a traditional publisher to a digital publisher and a provider of workforce skills and training. We discuss his push into the skills marketplace and he gives me his take on how AI will impact his industry.

In this episode I talk with Paul Fain, higher education journalist and writer for The Job.  We talk about the rapid rise in conversations in workforce training & higher education circles about the move toward a skills first framework. Paul discusses what he is seeing as skills and technology take hold in the policy and practice space. He also discusses what he thinks about the impact of AI on the post-secondary education marketplace.

In this episode, I present an interview I did as part of a video series for College Futures Foundation, my employer.  I interviewed Ben Chida, Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary & Senior Advisor for Cradle to Career in governor Gavin Newsom's administration. Ben and I talk about Governor Newsom's executive order calling for a new California Masterplan for Career Education. Ben describes this effort and why this is a priority for the governor. For more information about the Newsom Administration's effort on career education you can visit careereducation. gov. ca. gov.

In this episode, I talk with Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University (WGU). We talk about the history of WGU, the growth of enrollments and the evolution of the teaching and learning model. I discuss with Scott how the WGU team thinks about serving working learners and the importance of their Competency-Based Education model. Scott also describes recent efforts  in Congress to codify CBE and the impact of AI on its model.

In this episode, I talk with Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO at Coursera. Coursera is one of the pioneers of the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) movement and is now a publicly traded company valued at more than $2 billion. I talk with Jeff about the history of the company, who it is serving and how he and his team are incorporating GAI into their course offerings. Coursera is reaching working learners all over the world and is a key education provider that employers turn to for their workforce needs.

In this episode, I talk with Maria Flynn, President & CEO at Jobs For the Future (JFF). Maria and I discuss JFF's focus on good jobs, innovation and a skills-based hiring framework. We discuss the rapidly changing workforce and the importance of centering equity in the innovations that are impacting workers. 

In this episode, I give my take on the recent White House & US Department of Education convening to highlight their recent report, "Strategies for Increasing Diversity & Opportunity in Higher Education."  This convening came on the heels of the SCOTUS ruling on race-conscious admissions. I give my Rant on two key points brought up by Gene Black, Chancellor of UCLA,  and Anne Kress, President of Northern Virginia Community College. Chancellor Block highlighted the importance of dropping the SAT & ACT as a strategy for improving diversity and both Block and President Kress reinforced the importance of community college transfer students for colleges and university looking to improve diversity and find talent for their campuses. 

In this episode, I sit down with the U.S.Department of Education Under Secretary of Education, James Kvaal. We discuss a number of wide raging topics including the recent Supreme Court rulings on race-conscious admission and student loan debt forgiveness. Under Secretary Kvaal discusses his goals for the latest rounds of rule making, how his team balances innovation and regulation and his thoughts on whether Congress will ever pass a Higher Education Reauthorization Act. 

In this episode, I welcome our listeners to Season 2 of The Rant. I describe the successes of Season 1, and preview what is in store for Season 2. In the second part of this episode I offer my first Rant of the Season 2. I get into the recent FIRE lawsuit filed against the California Community College's Chancellor's Office over the recently adopted Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility regulations. 

In this episode  I close out Season 1 of The Rant. I end Season 1 with a conversation from one of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai. I recently visited with Margaret Sanchez, Interim Chancellor of Kauai Community College. From time to time I visit with community college leaders from throughout the country. We talk about the amazing work they do in communities as they serve the top 100% of learners. Given the recent disastrous news coming out of the Island of Maui, I thought that this episode would be a good reminder of the culture and identity that makes the Hawaiian Island the amazing place that they are.