EdCircuit Staff 
What does the new year hold in store?
edCircuit Breakdown
NPR is predicting that Betsy DeVos will step down as Secretary of Education. While they admit that this prediction is a bit of a longshot, Claudio Sanchez says, “Politically, DeVos will grow increasingly irrelevant and isolated, and, by the end of 2018, she will decide to pursue her agenda as a private citizen. President Trump will be too preoccupied with mid-term elections to persuade her to stay.”
At Inside Higher ED, Lisa M. Rudgers and Julie A. Peterson predict that there will be continued eroding support for higher education institutions. They argue that higher education is no longer sitting on a pedestal as it has in the past, and many people believe a college degree is no longer necessary to get ahead in today’s modern society — despite the fact that research shows college graduates have substantially better career outcomes than those without a degree.
At SmartBrief, Fred Ende predicts that an emphasis on the arts will increase attention to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education initiatives. He points to new standards recently adopted in New York and the National Core Arts Standards will cause schools and districts to take a more serious look at visual arts, music, dance and theater programs as part of a well-rounded learning experience for students.
edCircuit Analysis
With the turnover of the calendar come the inevitable predictions in all different industries, and education is no exception. While some predictions are somewhat gloom and doom, such as the predicted increased attack on higher education, there is still an exciting world ahead in the education industry, especially when it comes to EdTech.
This month the The National Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) will hold the 2018 Pitchfest, where 12 invited EdTech companies will participate in a competition where educators and judges will choose which tech breakthrough has the best chance to become the hot new EdTech application or platform. The judges include superintendents, administrators, and CIOs from a variety of backgrounds and locations. The winners will be determined by the judges as well as by audience polling.
As we move into the new year, edCircuit will keep you informed on all the latest trends and innovations in the world of education. Happy New Year!
Author
Jim Reams is a marketing, communications and strategy consultant with over 25 years experience in both in-house and agency settings. He has specialized in EdTech and the education industry since 2009.
