WIRED published an article that showed up today in my Apple News feed about the Alpha School I discussed in a recent post, part of my recent fixation on surveillance as the death knell of learning.
Yes, this is the logical extension of the American public school model rooted in standards, measurable outcomes, and grades. AI is exposing not just the bankruptcy of writing instruction vis a vis cheating, but of our entire system vis a vis external rewards and punishments.
When we first heard of Alpha School, we were inspired by a new approach to teaching. I'm just catching up on WIRED's investigation and its truly triggering:
Texas Sports Academy. I’ll check it out. I’m glad to hear it’s working for you. You make it sound magical! What do you suppose happened at the site Wired wrote about? They didn’t make it up. I’m so curious to hear your take on this. I’m also interested in what you think makes it “not for everybody.” I invite you to write something for me to publish from you recounting your experience. I’d love to get your perspective out there. Thanks for commenting!!
Lol. Our kids actually goes to an Alpha school called Texas Sports Academy. It's honestly amazing. It's absolutely nothing like this. The coaches are incredible, our son loves the learning and he spends his days sailing, camping and playing sports, not on a computer. He's reading at a grade 9 level at 3rd grade age. No one is withholding food hahahaha. I'm only laughing because the fears are so over exaggerated - if it clicks with you kid its an incredible system. Admittedly its not for everyone.
Texas Sports Academy describes having “teachers” working in 6:1 ratio with students and requires evidence of unusually advanced performance either academically or athletically. Tuition is $25,000. The site WIRED exposed charged $10,000 and did not claim to have “teachers” but “guides.” I don’t have information about admission requirements. Do you think the socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding community is the factor that separates Texas Sports from the WIRED Alpha site? I guess I’m wondering given your experience how applicable is the Alpha model as a wide spectrum public solution?
This is such a behavioral model where it's all about rewards, punishment, conditioning…
Yes, this is the logical extension of the American public school model rooted in standards, measurable outcomes, and grades. AI is exposing not just the bankruptcy of writing instruction vis a vis cheating, but of our entire system vis a vis external rewards and punishments.
The surveillance is equally, if not more, alarming.
I wish I could share the e tire article…….apple won’t permit it.
When we first heard of Alpha School, we were inspired by a new approach to teaching. I'm just catching up on WIRED's investigation and its truly triggering:
- Withholding food from students
- Bedroom surveillance
and more. Thanks for this breakdown, Terry!
You’re welcome! I was stunned. In this case, the blame lies not with the technology but with the implementation.
Texas Sports Academy. I’ll check it out. I’m glad to hear it’s working for you. You make it sound magical! What do you suppose happened at the site Wired wrote about? They didn’t make it up. I’m so curious to hear your take on this. I’m also interested in what you think makes it “not for everybody.” I invite you to write something for me to publish from you recounting your experience. I’d love to get your perspective out there. Thanks for commenting!!
Lol. Our kids actually goes to an Alpha school called Texas Sports Academy. It's honestly amazing. It's absolutely nothing like this. The coaches are incredible, our son loves the learning and he spends his days sailing, camping and playing sports, not on a computer. He's reading at a grade 9 level at 3rd grade age. No one is withholding food hahahaha. I'm only laughing because the fears are so over exaggerated - if it clicks with you kid its an incredible system. Admittedly its not for everyone.
Texas Sports Academy describes having “teachers” working in 6:1 ratio with students and requires evidence of unusually advanced performance either academically or athletically. Tuition is $25,000. The site WIRED exposed charged $10,000 and did not claim to have “teachers” but “guides.” I don’t have information about admission requirements. Do you think the socioeconomic conditions of the surrounding community is the factor that separates Texas Sports from the WIRED Alpha site? I guess I’m wondering given your experience how applicable is the Alpha model as a wide spectrum public solution?