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The Top 5 Education Trends In 2023

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The world is changing, which means that the way we study and learn in order to thrive in the world has to change, too. For a long time, education has involved us spending a good chunk of our early years sitting in a classroom absorbing information before heading out to put it to use. But the pace of change today means that what we learned one day might be redundant the next.

This means that the way we learn has to change – embracing technology and concepts such as life-long learning to ensure that we are better equipped for the fast-changing world of today. So, here’s my rundown of the most important trends that will drive this change over the next 12 months and beyond.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI), described as the most transformative technology of the 21 st century, is reshaping every industry and field of human activity, including education. In the classroom, it is found in the form of virtual assistants that can help both students and teachers to manage their time and complete their assignments; tutoring systems that can provide personalized learning experiences for students of all ages and abilities; powering remote and online learning systems where it can adapt the pace of teaching to match students’ needs; language translation in educational settings where pupils speak a wide variety of languages, and many other applications. It’s even been reported that some schools in China have implemented facial recognition technology using computer vision systems to monitor whether or not students are paying attention in class!

According to UNESCO , AI has the potential to help tackle some of the toughest challenges in education today, including addressing inequalities in the way schooling is provided around the world and improving access to knowledge globally. However, it also creates challenges of its own – with effort required to ensure that the rollout of this highly disruptive technology is done in a way that is fair and doesn't itself contribute to those inequalities.

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Remote, Online, and Hybrid Learning

The global Covid-19 pandemic forced schools, universities, and course providers to develop the capabilities to deliver education at a distance. But even before this, a revolution was taking place in the domain of online learning, with massive online open courses (MOOCs) exploding in popularity. In schools, remote and online learning means that educators can reach students no matter how isolated their communities are. This could mark a huge step forward in providing equality of access to education in a world where nearly 270 million children do not go to school due to living in remote or rural locations.

Even for those living in cities, the rise of online and remote learning facilities provides an opportunity for us to continue with education even when our busy adult lives mean it would be difficult for us to regularly attend classes in person. This is driven by the emergence of online education technology (ed-tech) platforms such as Udacity, Coursera, Udemy, and EdX. These platforms are designed to enable the "lifelong learning" approach, which is likely to become prevalent thanks to the accelerating pace of technological advancement, which will require skills to be frequently updated and “topped up” through new models such as micro-learning or nano-learning. One trend that has recently emerged within the field of online learning is courses taught by celebrities and renowned practitioners. The Masterclass and Maestro platforms (the latter created by the BBC) offer opportunities such as learning children’s writing from Julia Donaldson, filmmaking from Martin Scorsese, or business from Bob Iger.

Not Just College

In 2023, high schools will increase resources dedicated to preparing students for future paths that lead to places other than traditional college courses. Vocational and technical courses teaching a diverse range of skill sets are likely to become more popular as schools work with employers to develop new solutions to problems caused by the skills gap . In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that 43 percent of high school graduates go on to study at college. Nevertheless, a disproportionate amount of school resources are focused on preparing this minority group, while less teaching focuses on students who plan to continue their education in less traditional ways, such as apprenticeships or on-the-job training. As the demands of the new labor market shift away from seeking purely college-educated graduates and towards developing a workforce with the necessary skills, we can expect to see this change in the future. In Europe, 2023 has been designated the European Year of Skills. This recognizes that a focus on vocational education and training alongside traditional academic, subject-based training may be the key to developing new drivers of economic growth in the face of global slowdown or recession.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two forms of extended reality (XR) that are becoming increasingly important within education systems. VR allows users to step into a virtual world, and there are a vast and growing number of "experiences" that let us do everything from step back in time and experiencing history through our own eyes to training for difficult and dangerous tasks such as conducting repairs in hazardous environments. Other use cases which will grow in popularity during 2023 include virtual classrooms , which allow remote learning and class activities to be delivered in a more immersive and experiential setting. In healthcare training, VR is already being used for everything from enabling nursing students to experience delivering emergency care to training doctors to perform surgery .

Augmented reality still requires a device (e.g., a phone, tabled, or a headset) but is different from VR, as it involves superimposing computer-generated images onto what the user is actually seeing. The advantage here is that it can provide real-time information – for example, warning a trainee in a manufacturing environment that a piece of machinery may be dangerous. This is possible thanks to computer vision algorithms that analyze the images captured by cameras in the headset. In schools, AR textbooks are becoming available that contain images, and models that "come alive" when looked at through a smartphone camera, enabling students to get a closer, more in-depth look at anything from ancient Roman architecture to the inner workings of the human body. Museums and sites of historical or scientific interest are also increasingly adding AR to their environment and exhibits to create more immersive education opportunities.

Soft Skills and STEM

Soft skills include communication skills, teamworking, creative thinking, interpersonal problem-solving, relationship management, and conflict resolution. In other words, they are human skills that are unlikely to be replicated by machines anytime soon. They will become increasingly important in a world where AI takes on many of our routine and mundane technical responsibilities. This means that these skills will increasingly be taught as part of technical education as they become more highly valued by employers and industry. According to HR experts , soft skills are increasingly important to company success but far harder to measure and assess than "hard skills" such as mathematics, engineering, and computer programming.

In 2023 we will see STEM education placing a growing emphasis on these vital skills, as well as increased efforts when it comes to measuring and assessing organizational capabilities in this area.

To stay on top of the latest on new and emerging business and tech trends, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter , follow me on Twitter , LinkedIn , and YouTube , and check out my books ‘ Future Skills: The 20 Skills And Competencies Everyone Needs To Succeed In A Digital World ’ and ‘ Business Trends in Practice , which won the 2022 Business Book of the Year award.

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The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2023

Following our annual tussle with hundreds of studies of merit, we’ve pared them down to 10 you shouldn’t miss—from what AI can (and can’t) do to the neuroscience of brain synchrony.

For those of us hoping for a quiet, back-to-normal kind of year, the research coming out of 2023 might disappoint. A rising tide of teenage mental health issues sent researchers scurrying for answers, and the sudden ascendance of AI posed a new threat to codes of academic conduct and caused some educators to forecast the end of teaching as we know it (we’re here to dispel that myth).

There was plenty of good news in the mix—and fascinating news, too. Neuroscientists continued to push the envelope on mapping the human brain, using cutting-edge technology to get a sneak peek at the “brain synchrony” between students and teachers as they learn about complex topics, and a comprehensive review of social and emotional learning confirmed, once again, that there’s no substitute for caring, welcoming school environments.

Finally, we did our due diligence and unearthed classroom strategies that can make a big difference for students, from the use of math picture books to a better, more humane way to incorporate tests and games of knowledge into your classroom activities.

1. AI MAY CUT AN EDUCATOR’S PLANNING TIME DRAMATICALLY

In case anyone thought the jury was still out on the Turing test, which proposes a hypothetical threshold at which humans and machines respond indistinguishably to a prompt— more evidence recently came in, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell who’s testing who.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina set a “deep neural” AI model to work on a college-level anatomy and physiology textbook, after first training the software to recognize important information. The AI took stock, pondered in its fashion, and then dutifully produced 2,191 test questions tied to learning standards, which a panel of teachers judged to be “on par with human-generated questions in terms of their relevance to the learning objectives.” Remarkably, the instructors also said they’d consider adopting the machine-generated questions for their courses.

That’s spooky, but not without its silver linings. Test creation is time-consuming for teachers, and one knowledgeable educator who took AI for a test drive says that it performs well on other tasks like planning lessons, writing instructions, and even composing emails to parents. New AI-powered tools like Diffit, Curipod, and MagicSchool.ai, meanwhile, are starting to sound like revolutionary teaching aids.

Concern that the end of human teaching is one software release away is premature: Studies we’ve reviewed suggest that AI still requires a lot of fine-tuning, and in July of 2023 , researchers concluded that without human intervention, AI is atrocious at mathematics, performing poorly on open-ended problems and routinely flubbing even simple math calculations. To be useful, it turns out, AI may need us more than we need it.

2. A FASCINATING GUIDE TO BETTER QUIZZING

No one likes tests—except the three authors of a 2023 study , apparently. The trio, who have experience as teachers and researchers, sing the praises of virtually every kind of test, quiz, and knowledge game, asserting that such assessments should be frequent, low-stakes, highly engaging, and even communal. Their rationale: When properly designed and stripped of dread, tests and quizzes dramatically improve “long-term retention and the creation of more robust retrieval routes for future access,” a well-established phenomenon known as the testing effect .

The study is a fascinating, granular look at the mechanics of testing and its impacts on learning. Here are some of the highlights:

Mix it up: To maximize student engagement, quiz students frequently—but don’t let the format get stale. In their analysis, the authors endorse testing formats as varied as multiple choice, cued-recall tests, clickers, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and contests of knowledge.

Be competitive: When designing multiple-choice or true-false tests, opt for “competitive alternatives” in your answers. For example, when asking “What is the hottest terrestrial planet?,” proffer Venus , Mars , and Mercury instead of Venus , Uranus , and Saturn —because “Uranus and Saturn aren’t terrestrial planets.” Competitive alternatives require students to scrutinize all options, the authors hypothesize, leading them to retrieve and consider more learned material.

Pretest: Quizzing students on material they haven’t yet learned improves long-term performance “even if [students] are not able to answer any of those questions correctly,” according to the researchers. Notably, pretesting can also lead to “a reduction in mind wandering” during subsequent lessons.

Get communal: Asking students to take tests in groups can improve retention and motivation while reducing anxiety. Consider focusing on specific rather than open-ended questions, the authors caution, since students can sometimes “recall and remember information less accurately” when working together.

Pass it on: Teach students to self-test by “summarizing the main points from a lecture… without looking at any notes,” or by meeting in “small study groups where the students practice testing one another—an activity that many students already report doing.”

3. HOW TONE OF VOICE CHANGES CLASSROOM CULTURE

Like the proverbial canary in the coal mine, subtle shifts in a teacher’s tone of voice—a sharp rise in volume or a sudden barrage of repeated instructions born of frustration—can be the first sign that something’s awry in the classroom, disturbing a fragile equilibrium and leading students to clam up or act out, a study published late in 2022 suggests.

Researchers observed as teens and preteens listened to instructions given by teachers—“I’m waiting for people to quiet down” or “It’s time to tidy up all of your belongings,” for example—delivered in warm, neutral, or controlling tones. While the effect was unintended, an authoritative tone often came off as confrontational, undermining students’ sense of competence and discouraging them from confiding in teachers. Warm, supportive tones, on the other hand, contributed to a classroom environment that reinforced learning across multiple social and academic dimensions like sense of belonging, autonomy, and enjoyment of the class. 

It takes years to find the right tonal balance, says experienced middle school teacher Kristine Napper. “Neither high expectations nor kind hearts can do the job alone,” she coaches . Instead, teachers should strive for a warm, supportive tone and then draw on that “wellspring of trust to hold students to high standards of deep engagement with course content.”

4. BRAINS THAT FIRE TOGETHER WIRE TOGETHER

In 2021, we reported that as students progressed through a computer science course, the learning material left neural fingerprints that mirrored brain activity in other students, the teacher, and experts in the field. “Students who failed to grasp the material,” we wrote, “exhibited neural signatures that were outliers; they were drifting.” But the brain patterns of students who performed well on a later test aligned strongly with other top performing students—and with the teacher and experts, too.

Intriguingly, even abstract concepts—those that lack any physical attributes—appeared to trigger similar mental representations in students’ minds, attesting to the remarkable cognitive flexibility underlying human communication and knowledge sharing.

A 2023 study using electroencephalography (EEG) largely confirms those findings. High school science teachers taught groups of young adults fitted with electrodes about science topics such as bipedalism, habitats, and lipids. Researchers found that stronger “brain synchrony” between peers—and between students and teachers—predicted better academic performance on follow-up tests, both immediately and a full week later.

Together, these studies underscore the importance of scholarly expertise and direct instruction, but also hint at the downstream power of peer-to-peer and social learning. As knowledge passes from teachers to learners to greater and lesser degrees—some students grasp material quickly, others more slowly—an opportunity to distribute the work of learning emerges. When advanced students are paired with struggling peers, assisted by nudges from the teacher, groups of students might eventually converge around an accurate, common understanding of the material.

5. IN SUM, MATH PICTURE BOOKS WORK

The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words—and two are worth two thousand—might be expressed, mathematically, as a simple multiplication formula. But can reading math picture books really multiply learning?

A 2023 review of 16 studies concluded that math books like Are We There Yet, Daddy? and Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi improved student engagement and attitudes toward math; strengthened kids’ grasp of math representations like graphs or physical models; and boosted performance on tasks like counting to 20, understanding place value, and calculating diameters. In early childhood, in particular, math picture books worked wonders—one study found that young students “tend to anticipate and guess what will happen next, resulting in high engagement, aroused interest in understanding the problems, and curiosity in finding solutions”—but even middle school students seemed mesmerized by math read-alouds.

Importantly, math picture books weren’t a substitute for procedural fluency or mathematical practice. Typically, the authors noted, teachers bracketed math units with picture books, introducing a mathematical concept “in order to prepare [students] for the upcoming practice and activities,” or, alternatively, used them to review material at the end of the lesson.

6. TO IMPROVE STUDENT WRITING, REDUCE FEEDBACK (AND PUT THE ONUS ON KIDS)

It’s hard to move the needle on student writing. Hours of close reading followed by the addition of dozens of edifying margin notes can swallow teacher weekends whole, but there’s no guarantee students know how to use the feedback productively.

In fact, without guidance, revisions tend to be superficial, a new study suggests—students might correct typos and grammatical mistakes, for example, or make cursory adjustments to a few ideas, but leave it at that. A promising, time-saving alternative is to deploy rubrics, mentor texts, and other clarifying writing guidelines.

In the study, high school students were graded on the clarity, sophistication, and thoroughness of their essays before being split into groups to test the effectiveness of various revision strategies. Students who consulted rubrics that spelled out the elements of an excellent essay—a clear central thesis, support for the claim, and cohesive overall structure, for example—improved their performance by a half-letter grade while kids who read mentor texts boosted scores by a third of a letter grade.

Rubrics and mentor texts are reusable, “increase teachers’ efficient use of time,” and “enhance self-feedback” in a way that can lead to better, more confident writers down the line, the new research suggests.

7. A NEW THEORY ABOUT THE TEEN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Parents, teachers, and medical professionals are wringing their hands over the alarming, decades-long rise in teenage mental health issues, including depression, feelings of “ persistent hopelessness ,” and drug addiction.

The root causes remain elusive—cell phones and social media are prime suspects—but a sprawling 2023 study offers another explanation that’s gaining traction: After scouring surveys, data sets, and cultural artifacts, researchers theorized that a primary cause is “a decline over decades in opportunities for children and teens to play, roam, and engage in other activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults.”

Scholarly reviews of historical articles, books, and advice columns on child rearing depict an era when young children “walked or biked to school alone,” and contributed to their “family’s well being” and “community life” through meaningful chores and jobs. If that all feels vaguely mythical, data collected over the last 50 years reveals a correlation: frank admissions by parents that their children play outdoors independently less than they did, and significant drops in the number of kids who walk, bike, or bus to school alone or are allowed to cross busy roads by themselves. In the U.S., for example, a government survey showed that 48 percent of K–8 students walked to school in 1969, but by 2009 only 13 percent did.

Risky play and unsupervised outdoor activities, meanwhile, which might “protect against the development of phobias” and reduce “future anxiety by increasing the person’s confidence that they can deal effectively with emergencies,” are often frowned upon. That last point is crucial, because dozens of studies suggest that happiness in childhood, and then later in adolescence, is driven by internal feelings of “autonomy, competence, and relatedness”—and independent play, purposeful work, and important roles in classrooms and families are vital, early forms of practice.

Whatever the causes, young children seem to sense that something’s off. In one 2017 study , kindergartners who viewed images of fun activities routinely struck pictures that included adults from the category of play, rejecting the role of grown-ups in a domain they clearly saw as their own.

8. DIRECT INSTRUCTION AND INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING ARE COMPLEMENTARY

It’s an often-fiery but ultimately dubious debate: Should teachers employ direct instruction, or opt for inquiry-based learning?

At its core, direct instruction often conveys information “by lecturing and by giving a leading role to the teacher,” researchers explain in a 2023 study examining the evidence supporting both approaches. Critics typically focus solely on its passive qualities, a straw-man argument that ignores activities such as note-taking, practice quizzes, and classroom discussions. Opponents of inquiry-based learning, meanwhile, characterize it as chaotic, akin to sending students on a wild goose chase and asking them to discover the laws of physics on their own—though it can actually unlock “deep learning processes such as elaboration, self-explanation, and metacognitive strategies,“ the researchers say.

Both sides misrepresent what teachers actually do in classrooms. Instructional models are “often combined in practice,” the researchers note, and inquiry-based learning is usually supported with direct instruction. Teachers might begin a lesson by leading a review of key concepts, for example, and then ask students to apply what they’re learning in unfamiliar contexts. 

Let the debate rage on. Teachers already know that factual fluency and the need to struggle, flail, and even hit dead-ends are integral to learning. Teaching is fluid and complex and spools out in real time; it resists every effort to reduce it to a single strategy or program that works for all kids, in all contexts.

9. A TRULY MASSIVE REVIEW FINDS VALUE IN SEL—AGAIN

It’s déjà vu all over again. The researcher Joseph Durlak, who put social and emotional learning on the map with his 2011 study that concluded that SEL programs boosted academic performance by an impressive 11 percentile points, was back at it in 2023—working with an ambitious new team, led by Yale professor Christina Cipriano, on a similar mission.

The group just published a comprehensive meta-analysis that surveyed a whopping 424 studies involving over half a million K–12 students, scrutinizing school-based SEL programs and strategies such as mindfulness, interpersonal skills, classroom management, and emotional intelligence. The findings: Students who participated in such programs experienced “improved academic achievement, school climate, school functioning, social emotional skills, attitudes, and prosocial and civic behaviors,” the researchers concluded.

Intriguingly, SEL remained a powerful driver of better cultures and student outcomes into the middle and high school years, a reminder that there’s no cutoff point for building relationships, teaching empathy, and making schools inclusive and welcoming.

While politicians continue to stoke controversy on the topic, there’s actually widespread support for SEL, as long as it’s connected to better academic outcomes. A 2021 Thomas B. Fordham Institute survey revealed that parents reacted negatively to classroom instruction labeled “social and emotional learning,” but were favorably disposed when a single clause was added—calling it “social-emotional & academic learning” turned the tide and secured parental buy-in.

10. MORE EVIDENCE FOR MOVING PAST “FINDING THE MAIN IDEA”

In the United States, the teaching of reading comprehension has ping-ponged between skills-based and knowledge-based approaches. In 2019, things appeared to come to a head: While reading programs continued to emphasize transferable skills like “finding the main idea” or “making inferences,” the author Natalie Wexler published The Knowledge Gap , an influential takedown of skills-based methods, and a large 2020 study from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute concurred, noting that “exposing kids to rich content in civics, history, and law” taught reading more effectively than skills-based approaches.

Now a pair of new, high-quality studies—featuring leading researchers and encompassing more than 5,000 students in 39 schools—appears to put the finishing touches on a decades-long effort to push background knowledge to the forefront of reading instruction.

In a Harvard study , 3,000 elementary students participated in a yearlong literacy program focused on the “knowledge rich” domains of social studies and science, exploring the methods used to study past events, for example, or investigating how animals evolve to survive in different habitats. Compared to their counterparts in business-as-usual classes, the “knowledge based” readers scored 18 percent higher on general reading comprehension. Background knowledge acts like a scaffold, the researchers explained, helping students “connect new learning to a general schema and transfer their knowledge to related topics.” In the other study , a team of researchers, including leading experts David Grissmer, Daniel Willingham, and Chris Hulleman, examined the impact of the “Core Knowledge” program on 2,310 students in nine lottery-based Colorado charter schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. The approach improved reading scores by 16 percentile points, and if implemented nationally, the researchers calculated, might catapult U.S. students from 15th to fifth place on international reading tests.

The pendulum is swinging, but the researchers caution against overreach: There appear to be “two separate but complementary cognitive processes involved in development and learning: ‘skill building’ and ‘knowledge accumulation,’” they clarified. We may have the balance out of whack, but to develop proficient readers, you need both.

2023 education highlights: Keeping up the momentum to transform learning

International Day of Education 2023 dedicated to Afghan girls and women

UNESCO dedicated this year's International Day of Education on 24 January to girls and women in Afghanistan who have been deprived of their right to pursue secondary and higher education. The Organization renewed its call to immediately restore their fundamental right to education. “No country in the world should bar women and girls from receiving an education,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. “The international community has the responsibility to ensure that the rights of Afghan girls and women are restored without delay. The war against women must stop.” 

In Afghanistan’s Logar province, most girls and women are illiterate. Even before the decision of the de-facto authorities to suspend girls’ access to beyond primary education, most families did not let their girls go to school. Today, over 1,000 women and young girls aged 15 to 45 are learning how to read, write and calculate for the first time in their lives through UNESCO’s Community-based Basic General Literacy Classes. During UNESCO’s visit to two literacy classes , women and girls shared their motivations, challenges and inspirations for attending the classes. Nationwide, the Organization is currently reaching over 40,000 illiterate and semi-literate youth and adults – over 60% of whom are women – in 20 provinces. 

Supporting learners and teachers in Ukraine

UNESCO and Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science launched an online training in digital pedagogy for 50,000 teachers, while the education of many Ukrainian students is still disrupted by the war. They are also training 15,000 school psychologists to withstand the impact of the war on the mental health of Ukrainian learners and teachers. “Since February 2022, UNESCO has continuously supported Ukrainian teachers to ensure that students continue learning in the midst of war,” said UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini. “I pay tribute to their work, resilience and continued dedication. As the new academic year has just begun, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to them. Because education is the cornerstone on which Ukraine's future is built.”   Read more    

Monitoring country commitments made at the Transforming Education Summit

The latest UNESCO data shows that the global number of out-of-school children has risen by 6 million since 2021 and now totals 250 million. The figures, compiled by the Global Education Monitoring Report and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, reveal that education progress continues to stagnate globally. The annual finance gap for helping low and lower-middle income countries achieve their national education targets is almost US $100 billion. UNESCO remains committed to supporting countries and partners to acquire the financing needed to meet their goals. The Organization is also monitoring country commitments made at the UN Transforming Education Summit in 2022 through its new dashboard . Read more

Urgent call for appropriate use of technology in learning and global guidance on generative AI in education

UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report on technology in education highlights the lack of appropriate governance and regulation. It urges countries to set their own terms for the way technology is designed and used in education so that it never replaces in-person, teacher-led instruction, and supports the shared objective of quality education for all. The report proposes four questions that policy-makers and educational stakeholders should reflect upon as technology is being deployed in education. Read more

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools have far-reaching implications for education and research. Yet the education sector today is largely unprepared for the ethical and pedagogical integration of these powerful and rapidly evolving technologies, as UNESCO Assistant Director-General Stefania Giannini reiterated in her think piece . UNESCO developed the first-ever global guidance on GenAI in education. Launched during UNESCO’s flagship Digital Learning Week , it calls on countries to quickly implement appropriate regulations, policies, and human capacity development, for ensuring a human-centred vision of GenAI for education and research. Read more

UNESCO calls for an upgrade of teachers’ status to reduce the global shortage

“We must better value, better train and better support,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay on World Teachers’ Day (5 October). UNESCO and the Teacher Task Force’s first global report shows that globally, 44 million teachers are still needed to achieve the goal of providing primary and secondary education for all by 2030. This includes a demand for seven out of ten teachers at the secondary level and a need to replace over half of the existing teachers leaving the profession. The problem is not only one of funding, but also the unattractiveness of the profession. Read more

UNESCO adopts landmark guidance on education’s cross-cutting role in promoting peace

On 20 November 2023, the 194 UNESCO Member States adopted the Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development at UNESCO’s General Conference . This is the only global standard-setting instrument that lays out how education should be used to bring about lasting peace and foster human development through 14 guiding principles. For the past two years, UNESCO has been revising this visionary tool to ensure it responds to today's greatest challenges and future shocks. Read more  

UNESCO at COP28: Making education the long-term solution to the climate crisis

UNESCO is accelerating climate change education and greening initiatives through its coordinating role of the  Greening Education Partnership  and extensive work on  education for sustainable development . At COP28, UNESCO played a key role in the various dialogues on accelerating climate change education and emphasized the significance of sustainable learning in fostering long-term solutions for the climate crisis. The Organization presented at the COP the drafts of two new normative and groundbreaking resources: A global curriculum guidance for climate change education; and a green schools quality standards, which will be finalized and rolled-out next year. A major highlight of the gathering was launch of the Declaration for Climate Change and Education , focused on adaptation, mitigation and investment – which was signed and endorsed by 41 countries. Read more  

Exploring how rights should adapt as education evolves

The world has considerably changed since the key treaties on the right to education were conceived and adopted over half a century ago. Education can no longer be only confined to traditional classrooms and textbooks but has expanded to encompass lifelong and life-wide learning. UNESCO's Initiative on the evolving right to education launched its formal dialogue in December to explore how international human rights instruments can be reinforced and further developed to address today's needs and challenges. Read more  

Looking into 2024, the  International Day of Education will be celebrated on 24 January under the theme “learning for lasting peace”. The world is seeing a surge of violent conflicts paralleled by an alarming rise of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech. An active commitment to peace is more urgent today than ever: Education is central to this endeavor, as underlined by the  UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development .

Key UNESCO publications on education in 2023

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2023 Education Trends for a Year of Hope

The struggles in education will continue in 2023, but so will the joy.

It feels like waaaaay longer than a year since we wrote and published our article on 2022 education trends . 

But time marches on, and although it's still a stressful time to be an educator, there are some silver linings that bring us hope. Sure, low test scores, teacher shortages, and other COVID-related fallout are problems we need to solve. But these challenges give us a chance to make real and lasting changes, especially for students who are, and always have been, at a high risk of falling behind.

With closing opportunity gaps and supporting the whole student at the forefront of educators' minds, it's not surprising that many 2023 education trends focus on improving educational equality and expanding school services. Ready to look at the top five education trends we'll see in 2023?

Let's go!

1. Technology Use and Access

While the digital divide isn’t new, it's been recent news and will continue to be a focus for educators in 2023. 

Virtual learning made it obvious that more technological devices and high-speed internet networks are needed to improve academic progress. Our Black and Hispanic students were more likely to have limited access to the technology they needed to do school from home. Another study revealed that a quarter of our country's  low-income teens  did not have internet access during the pandemic. 

The educational impact of digital inequity is clear. Our eighth-grade NAEP scores dropped eight points in math and three in reading compared to 2019, which may not sound dire unless we consider that NAEP scores have been below proficient since the early 1990s—so even minimal drops are troubling. 

The good news is that people leading educational initiatives are highly focused on improving student performance and digital equity. Schools in Oakland, California, for example, a city where only 25% of students had a computer pre-pandemic, asked the city to fund an initiative to give every student access to a laptop . Today, 98% of Oakland students have a device! 

Similarly, organizations like the Close the Gap Foundation provide grants to schools to help them equip students with technology and seek to expand the reach of high-speed internet access. With efforts like these, we’re hopeful that 2023 will be the year we make significant progress in closing the digital divide. 

2. Teaching Reimagined 

While we all know that teaching has never been an easy job, more teachers than average have left the profession lately, with even more contemplating a career switch. 

Changing the profession so that more teachers want to stay is a discussion for another time, but in the here and now, districts are feeling the shortages and taking steps to remedy the situation. Some are raising pay for teachers and substitutes, while others are changing teacher requirements to encourage those from the military or other industries to become teachers more easily. Tiered teacher licensure is another solution, where new teachers begin working in entry-level roles and receive training, both on and off the job, as they work toward becoming experienced and fully licensed educators.     

So, what else have schools done when they simply don't have enough teachers? Some are outsourcing with virtual teachers , especially for hard-to-fill positions in math and science. Others are using technology to helpwith instruction since it allows teachers to do more with less oversight and prep. One-on-one responsive learning software, such as MATHia or ClearFluency TM , for example, gives students immediate feedback so they can learn efficiently, at their own pace, without needing a teacher at their side the whole time. 

In 2023 more schools and districts will look for tech tools like the ones mentioned above that can accelerate student learning while also improving teacher retention.

3. High-Dosage Tutoring 

With the increased need for additional instructional support, tutoring has become a hot topic. And with busy teachers rarely having time to provide tutoring on top of the regular school day, many schools and districts have hired online tutoring services.

W hile tutoring programs come in all shapes, sizes, and costs, the two dominant types that schools rely on are on-demand and high-dosage tutoring . The on-demand approach pairs students with a tutor when they log in, but it may be a different tutor each time. This type of tutoring is commonly viewed as basic homework help. 

High-dosage tutoring pairs students with one tutor, complements classroom instruction, and includes multiple weekly sessions. Early studies show better results with high-dosage tutoring, which makes sense given its frequency, content, and consistency.

Many districts, such as Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland, started implementing high-dosage tutoring programs in response to COVID-related needs, and districts will likely continue to build and expand these programs in 2023.

4. School and Community Resource Initiatives 

Every day, I feel a little warmer when I read about more schools adding health, well-being, and social-emotional resources to their campuses. Increasing services makes sense, given the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2021 warning of a youth mental health crisis. After COVID-era reductions, schools are once more able to offer an array of services, and they're partnering with community organizations, businesses, and local governments to give students what they need.  

One district in Colorado, for example, partnered with local medical experts to build a mental health treatment center for students. Vancouver Public Schools established 18 Family-Community Resource Centers to help students and families find information about health care, housing assistance, food, transportation, clothing, and school supplies. And Cajon Valley Union School District in California worked with local businesses and community leaders to build the World of Work program, which exposes students to various career opportunities starting in kindergarten.

Other schools work with park boards, community education centers, public health agencies, and nonprofits to provide everything from counseling services to dentistry to family yoga classes. When many of us lost our support networks during COVID, we were reminded that it truly does take a village to raise healthy, successful kids, and schools are calling on all available resources in creative ways to help kids—and their families—get what they need.     

5. Playful Learning at All Grade Levels 

One of my favorite things is watching children play, and it just so happens that play has well-documented educational benefits , such as encouraging curiosity and building resilience after failure. While it’s long been a mainstay of early childhood education, new research suggests that middle schoolers and high schoolers also benefit from playful learning, especially when it comes to building social skills, exercising creativity, and solving real-world problems. 

Don't your students respond enthusiastically to anything that becomes a game? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , play is an integral part of social-emotional and academic development, specifically in the school environment. Over and above fostering joy, which is no small feat in itself, play can become learning when it connects to what you've been teaching.

Considering the last few years, I'm guessing that play has never been more important in your classroom than it is now. Expect this trend to stay strong in 2023.

What's in Store for Education in 2023? 

As we enter 2023, I believe we’ll continue to make learning better for a greater number of students. I know from personal experience that teachers are a determined and resourceful group; if anyone is up to the tasks and challenges ahead, it's you. 

Dr. Martha Burns, director of neuroscience education here at Carnegie Learning, often says that teachers change their students' brains every day. And that's just the beginning. You're also changing lives, futures, and the world in 2023—and beyond.  

Feeling hopeful yet? I hope so. 

• Cory Armes, M.Ed.
• Senior Content Specialist, ELAR Sales Enablement
• Carnegie Learning, Inc.

Cory Armes has eighteen years’ experience in K-12 education as a general and special education teacher and educational diagnostician, specializing in working with students with learning disabilities and behavioral issues. She has worked in Texas throughout her career and is glad to be on the ELAR team at Carnegie Learning.

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• January 03, 2023

With closing opportunity gaps and supporting the whole student at the forefront of educators’ minds, it's not surprising that many 2023 education trends focus on improving educational equality and expanding school services.

Cory Armes, Senior Content Specialist, Literacy, Carnegie Learning

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Education, Industry insights

8 education trends to watch in 2023

With every new year come new education trends. Whether you’re an administrator or classroom teacher, keeping tabs on these higher education trends and incorporating them into the running of your university classrooms can help your institution and your students find success this school year.

Let’s take a closer look at eight trends on the horizon in education:

• Online learning expands opportunity and accessibility in education
• Hybrid learning enters a new phase
• Project-based learning is top priority
• Gamification in learning becomes the new norm
• Online learning infrastructure continues to level up
• Students and families are (more) cost conscious
• High-quality communication with students becomes critical
• Campuses double down on improving student mental health

1. Online learning expands opportunity and accessibility in education

While the pandemic brought many challenges for educators, it also shifted classrooms to online learning very quickly. This had its pros and cons. Today, while many classrooms have moved back to in-person learning, online learning has become even more solidified as an accessible option for many students. 

Universities are seeing demographic shifts on both ends of the age spectrum. New Gen Z students have grown up in the online world and may have completed a portion of their high school years online. Many mature learners are returning to upgrade their education while working, and online learning makes it possible for them to study from the comfort of home, often in an asynchronous manner. 

Online learning is also diversity-friendly, providing better learning access for students who are: 

• Caretakers of parents or children
• Disabled or chronically ill 
• Rural residents 
• Traveling due to work or home priorities 
• Need to study outside traditional hours due to work commitments 

With online learning comes the need for an integrated platform for both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. Your teachers need a safe place to store documents and upload video, and your students need venues to upload their assignments and chat online. 

2. Hybrid learning enters a new phase 

While many universities used hybrid learning models prior to 2020, more and more university classrooms are embracing the flexibility of hybrid learning. It offers the best of both the in-person and digital worlds: students can chat in class and online and engage with materials in person and through digital community. Hybrid learning gives students a deeper feeling of community while offering the flexibility of digital education. 

With hybrid learning, it’s important to utilize consistent technology, providing a unified online portal for students’ course communications. Giving students a learning hub allows them to interact with ease as they become fluent in their online learning platform.  It also provides consistency between home and school. Students can use the same platform in class and outside of class.

3. Project-based learning is top priority

Spain, Barcelona. Happy colleagues laughing at desk while studying.

Most students will encounter a work environment that focuses on completing projects independently or as a team, so educational institutions are shifting to a focus on more project-based work. In project-based work and learning environments, “soft skills” such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving become key to students’ success. Students also learn how to try out ideas and learn from trial and error. 

Does your technology simply focus on sending information out to students, or does it facilitate collaboration? More and more, any educational technologies that you use in the classroom should be communication-oriented, seeking to build up students’ ability to collaborate.

4. Gamification in learning becomes the new norm 

Today’s students have grown up online with games such as Minecraft. Gamifying education isn’t just part of elementary school classrooms; it can be part of higher education as well. Gamification brings real-life problems into the classroom, and it makes them engaging for students, drawing them into solving problems in a familiar way. For instance, the Wharton School offers an entire course in gamification. 

Communication systems can help by providing video content and can give a forum for student connection as they communicate, trying to solve problems together inside and outside the classroom. 

5. Online learning infrastructure continues to level up

The pandemic opened peoples’ eyes to online learning, but the experience was quite inconsistent. Many teachers struggled with the overnight change, and they did not have the background or skills to develop and use online teaching tools. 

There has been a lot of progress in online learning tools, and now there is a better understanding of both students’ and teachers’ needs. We know that students and teachers alike need ease of access, consistency, and a single platform that fulfills many needs. 

6. Students and families are (more) cost conscious 

While the cost of a postsecondary education has more than doubled since 2008, in the last few years, the costs have actually gone down slightly. This is due to a few different factors, including the need to attract students during the difficult years of the pandemic. Some institutions are offering discounts to many of their students. The desire is to ultimately increase enrollment.

At the same time, more and more students are holding a full time job while continuing to attend higher education. Students are conscious of both the cost of their education and the associated costs such as books, technology, housing, and commuting to school. 

Using an integrated communications platform such as RingCentral that combines phone and virtual classroom support can save your institution on staff training and reduce staff and student frustration with learning technologies.

7. High-quality communication with students becomes critical

As Gen Z students enter the university system, it’s important to be able to communicate in the ways that these students want to connect.

Current and prospective students want to be able to communicate with postsecondary institutions through multiple touchpoints such as voice, SMS , social media , and email. An omnichannel communications system such as RingCentral can help you ensure that you have all of your bases covered when it comes to admitting and retaining students through strong communication. 

8. Campuses double down on improving student mental health

In addition to the stresses of teaching and student life, the pandemic and the social isolation that ensued was difficult for teachers’ and students’ mental health. Fostering better mental health and rebuilding a sense of educational community is a focus of educators and administrators in 2023.

Campus mental health programs, online and in person community-building tools, and training in technologies that bring students together can make it easier for both students and teachers to do the work of learning and teaching. 

Originally published Feb 01, 2023

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Financial services, Industry insights

6 financial services trends to watch in 2023

A new year means it’s time to look ahead at financial services trends on the rise. Global inflation was the dominant story in the financial sector throughout 2022. In 2023, businesses and consumers continue to adapt to higher interest rates, which Central Banks deploy to combat inflation. Investors and lenders are operating with a greater ...

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Top Education Trends of 2023

Melanie olmstead.

• December 23, 2023

As we approach the end of 2023, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the dynamic shifts and innovations that have shaped the educational landscape this year. From technology in the classroom to pedagogical transformations, this year has been anything but static. Read on for the top education trends of 2023!

Education Trends of 2023

• Hybrid Learning Models : 2023 solidified the fusion of in-person and online education. Schools worldwide adopted hybrid learning models, blending the best of both worlds. This approach has proven beneficial in offering flexibility and catering to individual student needs. Here’s one example .
• Emphasis on Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) : With the global challenges faced in recent years, the importance of SEL has skyrocketed. Schools have integrated curricula focusing on emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal skills to equip students for the complexities of modern life. You can learn about SEL here .
• Gamified Learning : Engaging students became more interactive with the rise of gamified learning platforms. These platforms, using game design elements, have made learning more enjoyable and increased student participation. What’s the point of gamification? Find out here .
• Sustainable and Environmental Education : Schools have introduced more comprehensive programs focusing on sustainability, teaching students the significance of environmental stewardship. Ideas to get kids outside can be found here .
• Personalized Learning with AI : Advanced AI systems have enabled hyper-personalized learning experiences, adapting in real-time to student responses and ensuring content matches individual learning styles and paces. AI is no longer the future; it’s here now. Harnessing it’s benefits for students is the next big thing in education. Learn how to do so here .

Worth Noting

One issue not noted above is the extreme and growing need for more teachers in schools. Truly, the issue is that simple; schools are short staffed like never before and the problem is only growing. But you can be a part of the solution. Online teacher certification is a burgeoning trend in many states, allowing locals to quickly and affordably transition to a career in the classroom. You can learn how to become a teacher by visiting www.americanboard.org .

2023 has been a year of considerable growth and evolution in the educational sector and it set the stage for an even more transformative 2024.

• Categories: Career Tips , Education News , In the Classroom
• Tags: Education News

About The Author

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The Top 10 Education Trends for 2023

Funding, free school meals, education choice and student loan debt were among the policy topics lawmakers tackled in this year’s legislative sessions..

Katy Rose works with students at a microschool in Goffstown, N.H. Microschools—reminiscent of one-room schoolhouses, with usually fewer than 15 students of varying ages and a tailored curriculum—are among the education choice models that lawmakers considered this year. (The Washington Post)

Education ranks among the top priorities in every legislative session: The average state spends nearly half its budget on education systems. This year was no different.

With every state legislature in session this year, lawmakers considering education responded to pandemic-induced challenges while pursuing longstanding goals.

With so many education issues on the table, NCSL’s education staff held a four-part webinar series “Education Trends in States” in the spring. Here are the top 10 education policy trends in legislatures:

Increasing Education Funding

Strong state fiscal conditions are translating to education funding increases in most states. An NCSL review of K-12 education budget proposals for fiscal year 2024 indicated that nearly every state considered increased spending. All respondents to an NCSL survey of state fiscal offices reported increased appropriations in FY 24, with a range of 1.46% to 25.35% in year-over-year growth.

A National Association of State Budget Officers survey showed 43 states increased spending in higher education and 39 states increased spending in K-12 education in FY 2023. Similar numbers of states raised spending in FY 2022. In fact, total state spending on both K-12 and higher education has increased in every year since state budgets began recovering from the Great Recession in 2013.

Boosting the Teaching Profession

Boosting teacher compensation has been a major theme of recent legislative sessions. At least 22 states have proposed or enacted legislation to increase teacher salaries this session. About half of states are also considering other forms of compensation, such as scholarships, loan forgiveness and student teacher compensation.

Lawmakers also are looking to expand pathways into the profession. At least 16 states have enacted or proposed legislation to support registered teacher apprenticeships. Another 15 states have considered providing support for teacher residency programs. Through these efforts, many states are also targeting shortage areas or expanding educator diversity.

Promoting the Science of Reading and Math

Improving literacy was the focus of 12 enacted bills this year. Policymakers sought to address literacy instruction through professional development, licensure changes, new curriculum and assessment materials, increased special education screening, and providing books to families . Similarly, states are revisiting third grade reading laws, many of which require students to pass a literacy assessment to move on to fourth grade. For example, both Michigan and Tennessee amended their laws to decrease the number of students retained in third grade, while maintaining the pieces of legislation that require districts to assess literacy proficiency regularly and provide additional support to struggling readers.

Five states introduced and three enacted measures to improve early math instruction through professional development programs for in-service teachers, support programs for struggling students, and engaging with families on math education.

Providing Free School Meals

With the end of federal pandemic-related universal school meal waivers, more states are choosing to expand coverage of free school meals through a variety of methods.

As of September, eight states have enacted legislation that provides either optional or mandatory universal free school meal programs. Three states have made only school breakfasts free to all students, either permanently or temporarily. However, universal school meals are not the only way states are expanding access to free meals. Nine states and Washington, D.C., have made previously reduced-price meals free for students. Of these, five states and the district have enacted legislation permanently requiring that reduced-price meals be provided for free, while four states have done so temporarily. Additionally, one state enacted legislation mandating permanent free meals at schools serving grades K-four with at least 30% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Reimagining Education Systems

A number of states want to reimagine and rebuild education systems optimized for today’s students that look more like the world’s highest-performing education systems. States such as Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wyoming are convening policymakers and stakeholders to set state priorities and build better education systems. NCSL’s most recent cohort of the Legislative International Education Study Group learned that the best systems bring together well-prepared educators equipped with the best curricular and instructional tools to engage students in a learning atmosphere that intrigues, inspires and captures the imagination and aspirations of all children.

Offering Education Choice

At least 31 states considered legislation on education savings accounts and vouchers in 2023, and NCSL is tracking nearly 100 bills on this type of choice. In addition to an increase in the number of these programs, there also is a trend toward broader eligibility of students and qualified expenses for savings accounts and vouchers.

More traditional choice models, including charter school funding and open enrollment, were also common topics this session, and models that gained popularity in the pandemic, such as microschools and learning pods, continued to hold legislative attention.

Supporting Student and Educator Mental Health

States are increasingly helping districts hire more school mental health professionals and examining ways to recruit and retain those staff members. States also are investing in professional development for educators around inclusive practices and student mental health.

To support student mental health, states are pursuing a range of strategies including enacting laws to address safety, interpersonal relationships and other dimensions of school climate. Additionally, states are requiring mental health and wellness curricula, incorporating mental health into state standards, and addressing mental, emotional and social health in state curricula. Lawmakers also have focused on suicide prevention programs and early identification through mental health screenings and services.

Reforming School Finance Formulas

Legislatures this session emerged from the fog of the pandemic with a renewed focus on their pre-pandemic—yet pandemic-informed—education finance priorities. These priorities include adding or improving funding for students with exceptional needs, namely students identified for special education services, English learners and students living in poverty. During the pandemic, the student count mechanisms for funding purposes were paused or revised. Legislatures returned to these mechanisms, especially in states experiencing disruptive declines in enrollment. Outside of formula changes, legislatures continued to reshape the role property taxes play in education revenue ecosystems. Some states continued funding property tax relief programs, while others have asked wealthy school districts to fund a larger share of their program expenses. 

Addressing College Affordability and Student Debt

Lawmakers continue to support and fund a wide range of financial aid programs for students to pursue postsecondary degrees and credentials of value. In recent legislative sessions, states have addressed programs for adult learners, such as Reconnect scholarships in Tennessee and Michigan; expanded aid to currently or formerly incarcerated students; and promoted college savings accounts, or 529s. States also have elevated completion efforts for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, with at least six states passing legislation requiring a FAFSA for high school graduation.

Concerns surrounding high levels of student loan debt have led states to explore the development of forgiveness programs, implementation of loan oversight, and creation of tax credits to relieve the pressures of borrowing.

Expanding Career Pathways

To increase career pathways outside of traditional higher education, many states are aiming to better link their workforce and postsecondary systems to more seamlessly serve everyone from high school students to adult learners seeking certificates, apprenticeships, short-term credentials and licenses. For high school students, states are promoting student career planning and ensuring that credits earned in dual and concurrent enrollment programs can be transferred across state institutions. For adult learners, states are working with employers to identify high-value credentials to fill workforce needs and provide clear pathways for adults learners to quickly receive the education and training needed to fill good-paying jobs.

This article was developed by NCSL staff. For more information, please visit NCSL’s Education Program webpage or contact the education team .

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Top Higher Education Trends for the 2023-24 Academic Year

• August 11, 2023
• Topic: Academic Program Development , Finance , Higher Ed Trends , Higher Education , Student Success
• Resource type: Insights Blog

Prepare your institution for a successful 2023–2024 academic year with these top trends and tips in higher education.

Hanover Research’s 2023 Trends in Higher Education report , drawn from our work with hundreds of institutions, reflects a disconnect between higher education processes and student well-being. This disconnect, coupled with growing financial challenges for students and institutions, are just a few of the obstacles colleges and universities face. As a new academic year begins, we revisited the top trends related to career-focused learning, financial strategies, and student well-being to see how college and university leaders are preparing their students and institutions for success in 2023–24.

Microcredentials Lead the Way in Career-Focused Higher Education Trends

Despite an increase in demand for undergraduate programs, nearly 40 million adults have completed some college but earned no degree. Many cite this as a significant obstacle to building a career because data still indicates that a majority of employers are more likely to hire an applicant with official credentials. This disconnect between students’ ability to remain in school and the expectations of their potential future employers likely contributes to the public’s growing apprehension of higher education.

Why do so many students find it so difficult to finish their studies? Concerns such as tuition affordability, juggling employment, or caring for family members are some of the top reasons. In fact, half of community college students find it difficult to schedule their classes to fit their employment needs. Offering flexible, stackable curricula may provide much needed relief for students struggling to find time or money for school, while promoting confidence in their institution to prepare them for career growth.

Therefore, some institutions have achieved higher rates of enrollment and retention by offering microcredentials — short-term, skills-focused training that allows students to demonstrate competency in a focused area. Students can choose bite-sized course loads that “stack” to earn a larger certificate or degree, preparing them for direct entry into the job market.

Additionally, institutional leaders pursuing microcredential offerings must balance the needs of their institution, students, and workforce gaps by establishing strong connections with local employers. They should also incentivize faculty to lean into career-readiness curricula while honoring the needs of working and caregiving students.

Learn which trending skills will best prepare your students for the job market. Download our Top Career Skills for New Grads infographic.

Tensions rise between college students’ need for a debt-free future and institution finances.

On June 30, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Biden’s proposed student debt relief plan, leaving many Americans with increased concerns about the financial viability of higher education. Hanover Research’s 2022 National Prospective Student Survey , which surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. high school sophomores and juniors considering undergraduate programs, cites cost as a major factor in students’ decisions about not only what institution to choose but whether they continue their education at all.

Nearly 75% of 2015-2016 graduates alone have not paid off their student loans. With student loan payments resuming in October 2023, many new and older graduates will have difficulties rebudgeting their already limited incomes.

No-Loan Solutions to Higher Education Tuition

Some institutions have made the radical decision to eliminate student loans by covering students’ tuition costs with grants, scholarships, and other forms of aid. This solution, however, is not sustainable for all institutions. Colleges and universities that cannot provide full no-loan aid to students can work to de-emphasize loans, bolstering existing grant, scholarship, and aid opportunities for students that don’t need to be repaid. Institutions should also consider collaborating with employers and nonprofits to develop tuition reimbursement and debt relief plans to lessen the financial implications of a no-loan approach.

Institutions Usher in Revenue Reworks to Promote Financial Sustainability

Pandemic-related attrition, the impending enrollment cliff, inflation, and public skepticism about the value of higher education continue to impact institutions’ finances. To stay afloat, many colleges and universities must develop innovative revenue approaches outside of tuition dollars, such as fundraising, grantseeking, and enhanced auxiliary services. By reinforcing non-tuition related streams of income, ideals such as the no-loan approach become more feasible.

While the grantseeking landscape is competitive, with proper training and counsel, grant funding remains an excellent way to bolster institution finances. Emphasizing the role of grants to fund innovative programming can reduce costs transferred to students and families. In tandem with the prospect of grants, we highly recommend strengthening investments in auxiliary enterprises such as non-credit courses and rentals.

A single grant can change the lives of hundreds of students. Learn more about how to support faculty in the pursuit of strategic grantseeking.

New systems to support and measure college student well-being.

In yet another landmark ruling in June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action, meaning college admissions offices may no longer weigh racial and ethnic experiences when admitting students. With over 50% of students of color citing feelings of alienation related to their identities, it’s no wonder many have chosen to speak out against the removal of affirmative action.

In 2023–2024, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education must include actionable measures to directly address the unique problems faced by historically marginalized students as well as low-income students. The most recent found that nearly 25% of U.S. undergraduate students face food insecurity. Even more striking, almost 10% of undergraduate students are experiencing homelessness. All approaches to student well-being must also account for those whose basic needs are not being met.

While traditional on-campus activities and support services may seem like the most effective way to serve students in need of personal support, they aren’t always the most suitable options for students from marginalized backgrounds or those with non-traditional scheduling needs. Many students seek help in ways culturally familiar to them or in line with their finances and lifestyle. Offering more student-led, flexible, and culturally informed programming accommodates and honors students’ social, emotional, and physical needs.

To ensure institutions deliver relevant services that improve student well-being, they should regularly survey students and share the results with the entire campus.  When students see institutional accountability in action, they will feel more secure and trusting of the support services offered and faculty can also apply the data insights in their classrooms.

Deepen your awareness of what it means for a student to belong. Read Student Belonging: The Next DEI Frontier in Higher Education.

Key takeaways for 2023–2024.

By reworking traditional approaches to curricula, tuition, and student well-being, colleges and universities can increase student enrollment, retention, and success. Changes that accommodate students’ financial, social, and physical needs contribute to a positive perspective of their school as a worthy investment in an age of doubt. Grantseeking to diversify revenue streams remains a powerful tool in ensuring financial longevity of an institution, while honoring the needs of students. These changes may seem like a lot to manage, but by engaging with faculty, staff, students, employers, and the local community, a data-driven, appropriate strategy becomes more and more feasible.

More trends and data points await to help you make a better decision. Download our Trends to Watch in 2023–24 infographic for a deeper look at our recommendations.

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Reengagement after interruption: 2023 outlook for higher education

Recovery efforts from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are not unlike those from a natural disaster. Like a community that returns home after a storm, educators and students spent 2022 sorting through the wreckage, surveying the extent of damage and mobilizing efforts to rebuild and resume their work.

While the K-12 segment of education reels from learning loss, higher education is also experiencing loss expressed by an overall decline in enrollment. Nearly a million fewer students are currently enrolled in college than before the pandemic . While the reasons are varied — prioritizing employment over education, a shifting focus away from traditional degree programs and challenges of affordability — many seem to share a root in the increased scrutiny of the value of a college degree.

Additionally, many students continue to struggle with lingering mental health challenges stemming from pandemic disruptions, resulting in an increased demand for higher education institutions to provide support services such as counseling and mental health training for faculty members.

Students are not alone in their disenchantment. Educators and administrators who feel overwhelmed and undervalued have been empowered by the Great Resignation, impacting workers across many industries. More career-track education professionals find themselves willing to step outside of traditional expectations to reevaluate their path and reconsider their futures.

Higher education administrators faced their own challenges in 2022. Institutions with aging facilities must now consider how to evolve spaces to foster ever-changing learning environments. This includes the ability to accommodate the latest innovations in technology, provide support for new academic programs and continually streamline student support services. Addressing these issues require massive financial and strategic resources.

2023 higher education priorities:

As recalibration continues, these are the main strategic priorities most likely to affect those in the higher education industry:

1. Demonstrate tangible value

Seismic shifts in enrollment demographics, motivations and expectations suggest that the days of traditional recruitment practices at colleges are fading away. Institutions willing to examine and respond to the evolving and wide range of needs of prospective students will better position themselves for success.

Those needs include increased flexibility in instruction delivery, clearer paths to employment based on labor market trends (like electric vehicle production and the legalization of cannabis) and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

2. Market those values to the right audience

While higher education faces scrutiny, overwhelming evidence still suggests that the employment rate among those with bachelor’s or higher degrees remains significantly higher than those without.

Still, affordability and other burdens can create major obstacles to those seeking a diploma. Therefore, institutions face pressure to demonstrate tangible evidence of success like measurable results and potential return on investment. This means that the days of a one-size-fits-all approach to college are over, so directly addressing the unique needs of each demographic is imperative.

In the current landscape, a streamlined application processes; a safe, supportive, diverse and flexible environment; and experiential marketing experiences are gaining popularity.

3. Address the mental health crisis

Students and educators are likely to feel the ripple effect from the COVID-19 pandemic long after mental health federal relief funds run out. Traditional campus counseling centers continue to face massive increases in demand for care. In response, many schools are applying innovative solutions to increase awareness and promote a broader culture of wellness into their policies and offerings.

In addition to increased funding for additional mental health professionals, schools are creating opportunities for students to increase resilience, learn coping strategies and create a strong sense of connection. These opportunities include peer counseling, group therapy, telehealth and emergency crisis training from faculty and staff.

4. Approach facility adaptation with flexibility

To remain competitive, institutions must continuously invest in facilities that are modern, inviting and in a position to support the next wave of technological advancements. This doesn’t always require a full makeover. In the face of budget strains, some schools are finding creative ways to repurpose old facilities in ways that retain unique and appealing elements.

Renovation efforts vary wildly in scope, cost and overall outcome. Design firms that specialize in the unique task of transforming historic or outdated buildings for a new era are helping institutions evaluate facilities and make informed decisions that balance innovation with budgetary considerations.

5. Collaborate to share burdens and successes

Once fueled by competition or indifference, relationships among institutions are shifting toward the cooperative. Instead of chasing the same declining student pool, schools are banding together to raise their collective value proposition. By streamlining expenses and maximizing compatible strengths, institutions can weather declines in enrollment, eliminate redundancies, expand offerings and create new sources for revenue.

Opportunities for partnership expand beyond the walls of the classroom. Collaborations with local businesses (especially those that align to popular majors) and community-based organizations (like those that support underserved populations) can be mutually beneficial. Both can create learning opportunities like internships, community work and networking that enhance instruction.

How Wipfli can help

While the COVID-19 pandemic upended the educational system in profound ways beyond anyone’s control, it also helped reveal vulnerabilities that already existed. Wipfli can help. Grounded with deep knowledge and driven by innovation, our professionals are equipped to provide holistic solutions to clarify strategic planning, improve student support, protect your assets and more.

Learn more about our education services .

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7 Education Trends of 2023 to be ready for

How will technology make education more effective, accessible and exciting in the coming year?

Research proves that incorporating technology into the classroom can improve your students’ performance, motivation and engagement level.

Want to ride the wave of innovation and help your students succeed with the latest learning tools? Then let’s have a look at 7 Edtech and education trends to watch in 2023 , according to Google for Education!

Blended learning

The Global Pandemic proved that mixing up traditional education with a more flexible , tech-based approach can result in increased student engagement and comprehension . So blended learning and hybrid learning are here to stay and growing fast in 2023!

Micro-learning

Not to be confused with bite-sized learning , Micro-learning makes the most of digital materials such as media, articles and online resources. Its short and easy-to-access format captures attention and helps pupils to stay focused and retain information!

Learning Analytics 

Data interpretation is essential for getting the whole picture. Far beyond a simple student progress tracker, Analytics empowers teachers to identify trends and patterns —a necessary first step in creating winning, tailor-made teaching strategies . 

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Think AR and VR ( more on VR below ) are exclusive to the gaming world? Well, think again! Teachers and schools are leveraging these groundbreaking technologies to create interactive gamified experiences for their students. Proof of success is in the numbers. According to research , AR’s gross value in education is expected to reach £4.4 billion in 2023 .

Artificial Intelligence

AI seems to be everywhere—and the world of education is no exception . Schools worldwide are experimenting with smart devices that are tracking learning statistics, tapping into social and emotional learning and even creating course materials! More than a trend, Artificial Intelligence seems to be here to stay beyond 2023.

The Metaverse 

As for Virtual Reality, the impressive growth of the Metaverse increases the likelihood that immersive learning experiences can and will become available to all students – regardless of learning ability, geographic location or financial possibility .

Collaborative classrooms

Collaboration—essential in all education—gains an even more prominent role in 2023’s educational technology trends. It’s vitally important to equip classrooms with collaborative tools to bring out the best in students in this digital era. The presence of these tools will only help in teaching them the value of this necessary life skill .

Start strong in 2023 with Acer!

Ride the crest of the tech-trend wave with this year’s best devices! Get in touch with our experts to find the Acer solutions that best fit your school’s needs: [email protected]

LIVE@CoSN2024: Exclusive Coverage

The top 6 education trends for 2023

Edtech trends evolve, but dedicated teachers will learn to use new tools to foster students' minds and encourage them to reach their potential.

Key points: Trends change–but great teachers can take trends and transform learning SEL, gamification, and project-based learning are all some of the most popular instructional tools in 2023 See related article: Are you following some of today’s biggest learning trends?

Teachers, we’ve made it! After a long and arduous school year filled with challenges, we have finally reached summer vacation. First, take a moment to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. The world of education has only gotten more complicated over these last few years. Many students are still working through the effects of the pandemic, while countless schools have found themselves embroiled in political bickering. That you continued to show up for your students and deliver the best education possible demonstrates just what a champion you are.

Now that we have a little time and space to relax, it’s important to take time and reflect on the school year as a whole. What worked, what didn’t, what could be improved, and what ideas have the potential to bring positive change in the next season?

Van Andel Institute for Education recently asked this very question, and since we always like to go a step further, we’ve compiled the top 6 trends in education for 2023. Here are the latest ideas that teachers should keep an eye on in the next school year:

1. Social-emotional learning: Social-emotional learning (SEL) is not exactly a trend, but it is “trending”.Following the events of 2020, more and more schools are including SEL in their curriculum. SEL is all about teaching students to manage their emotions, practice healthy communication, and collaborate successfully with others. Teachers looking to increase their SEL content can take advantage of free strategies from Blue Apple while also exploring the topic in more detail with these charts .

2. Project-based learning: Like SEL, project-based learning (PBL) is not new — but it has taken on greater significance in recent years. Once upon a time, teachers were the ones to dispense information to students, but now search engines like Google have usurped that role. Today, the responsibility of teachers is to facilitate learning experiences that foster student curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking – and which help them to apply what they know in authentic, real-world contexts. Luckily, there are an abundance of fun, flexible lessons that teachers can use to implement PBL in their classrooms.

3. Soft skills: What do you believe are the most important qualities that employers look for in potential job candidates? It might surprise you to learn that the top skills were things like teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. Soft skills like these will only become more important as technology continues to advance. Teachers can help prepare their students for their future careers by ensuring they have ample experience practicing these habits of mind .

4. Gamification: Play is a powerful way to learn. Gamification has been shown to increase classroom engagement, aid in cognitive development, and offer a host of other benefits to young learners. Instead of having students compete against each other, leverage the power of competition and collaboration simultaneously by having students work together to beat a class goal or to show improvement over time. It’s a simple little hack to make gamification even more effective!

5. STEM: Right now, the fastest growing career fields are in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). As such, it is vital that students have a solid grasp on the principles of STEM before they graduate. Not only will this be important to their future careers, but given the speed at which technology is evolving, they will likely need this knowledge to function in their day-to-day future. An easy way to get students started is with free, 15-minute lessons that will familiarize them with the qualities of STEM.

6. AI: Finally, we come to the most notorious subject in education today – the rise of AI. While some are excited about the possibilities that AI will unlock, many are rightfully concerned about its unethical usage and potential for cheating. While it’s still too early to fully know what AI holds for education, teachers can implement it positively by pitting their students against AI and learning how they can improve upon its work.

The future of education is always changing, but one constant is sure to endure. In order for students to grow, they will need dedicated teachers to foster their minds and encourage them to reach their potential. By reading this, you have already proven that you’re ready to meet the challenge. So, remember to stay up to date on the latest trends in education, and give your students the best chance for success in the new school year.

Related: 8 education trends bringing disruption in 2023

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Dawn McCotter is the Curriculum & Instruction Senior Manager for Van Andel Institute for Education where Ben Talsma works as a Learning Solution Specialist. Van Andel Institute for Education is a Michigan-based education nonprofit dedicated to creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive.

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US Admissions 2023-24: Data, Trends, and Analysis for Your Journey to the Ivy League

The Most Competitive Schools

Top Admissions Insights for 2023-24

Acceptance Rate Declines Level Off

Early Round Acceptance Rates

A Shifting Admissions Landscape

This year’s final round of acceptance letters have just gone out from Ivy League schools and other leading universities. Are you wondering how to read the tea leaves and find some actionable insights for your college journey? Well, we’ve asked Crimson’s COO, Arkesh Patel, to provide his own analysis of the shifting 2023-24 admissions landscape, with a focus on the highly competitive Ivy League schools. As a bonus, we’ve asked Arkesh to close with expert tips on how you can make your own college application stand out when you're aiming for a top school.

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of US university admissions can feel overwhelming. Especially in the current landscape!

As Crimson's COO, I find the changes and shifting trends we see in college admissions exciting, but if you’re trying to plan your own college journey, it’s daunting, even more so if you’re passionate about getting the best university opportunities possible.

Students monitoring the US admissions landscape are no doubt aware of at least some of the dynamic shifts impacting admissions policies and outcomes:

• shrinking overall acceptance rates nationally
• shifting early round acceptance rates
• changes in affirmative action
• the resurgence of standardized test requirements

But don’t worry, I’m going to touch on all these themes — recent acceptance rate statistics from top schools above all — along with analysis spotlighting the important trends for 2023-24.

Then, to help you get more insights, I’ll cover the four essential components of a winning application, helping you gauge your own admissions readiness as you plot the next steps of your own college journey.

Which Schools Are the Most Competitive in 2023-24?

Now that most of the top schools have sent out their last rounds of admissions offers for the Class of 2028, we have better insights into which schools are the most competitive right now, and if there are any important shifts underway.

A key indicator of exactly how competitive admissions is at any school is the school’s acceptance rate, or admit rate — the total number admitted divided by the number who applied.

As we’re about to look at the most competitive US schools for 23-24, it’s worth noting that a school’s rank and popularity and the admit rate kind of go hand-in-hand for obvious reasons .

Highest ranked schools draw more applicants, resulting in lower admit rates. But, since top schools have the lowest admit rates, these schools' low acceptance rates can also reinforce perceptions of their value and rank among their peers.

One important factor impacting how many applicants a school attracts are high-profile college rankings published by major news outlets, such as US News and World Report .

Something else to consider are yield rates .

Yield rates reflect how many admitted students actually accept their offer (# accepting an offer of admission divided by the # accepted for admission). Because they highlight the final choices students make about which school's offer to accept, and which to decline, yield rates can be another barometer of school quality and rank . In fact, did you know that by comparing data about choices like these, Crimson created its own unique list of the Top 25 US Colleges and Universities ?

The table below shows not the highest ranking schools as such, but the most competitive schools , as in the schools with the lowest admit rates (lowest acceptance rates).

Most Competitive US Schools 2023-24

Two things to keep in mind as you look at the table above:

• The most competitive school is not always the highest-ranked school. Although the most competitive schools are generally among the highest ranked and vice-versa, as you'd expect, there can be exceptions, such as with Columbia and Vanderbilt, for example.
• The most competitive schools are not all Ivies. Vanderbilt, Duke, and Johns Hopkins are examples of schools that are among most competitive in the US but aren't Ivies and they're also nor MIT or Stanford!

Big picture, admissions statistics YoY tend to have relatively moderate and nuanced fluctuations, but let's delve into a few that stand out in 2023-24. Subsequently we'll look at today's admissions landscape in the scope of longer term trends.

Inverse Trends at Two Top Ivies – Harvard Slipping & Yale Ascending

Harvard hits a pothole.

Among the Ivies , Harvard has typically boasted the lowest acceptance rates.

In fact, looking at statistics from the fall of 2022 , Harvard and CalTech were in the top rung for schools with the lowest acceptance rates, followed by Columbia, MIT, and Stanford.

For this year and last year, however, Harvard’s acceptance rate has reversed course. For Harvard’s Class of 2028, applications dropped steeply, by an astounding 17% in the early round, and a more nuanced but not negligible 3% in the regular round, compared to last year's numbers.

Whether due to controversies afflicting the school in the wake of the Oct. 7th attack on Israel, or other news or factors, Harvard’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 rose a couple of notches, up to 3.6%, putting the acceptance rates at Yale, 3.7%, and Columbia, 3.8%, right on par with Harvard.

Yale Gathers Steam

Yale’s data revealed a different trend and had two prominent highlights:

• Early round applications barely changed YoY, but regular round applications shot up 11%
• Yale admitted less students, with this year’s class shrinking by 6% compared to last year

The combination of more applicants and less admits at Yale this year had the expected outcome: Yale’s acceptance rate dropped to 3.7%, down from 4.4% last year.

Competition Grows More Widespread

With falling applications to Harvard as a backdrop, our analysis revealed that competition is concurrently increasing at selective non-Ivies .

For example…get ready… Duke and Vanderbilt were more competitive this year than both Brown and Dartmouth .

Other schools similar in rank to Duke and Vanderbilt, such as Rice and Northwestern, have also been steadily growing more and more competitive over the past decade.

The table below shows who's joining the Ivies in terms of intense competition, with an eye to each school's longer term admissions trendline:

Competition Spreads to More Universities

Dartmouth and Vanderbilt have seen the most dramatic 10-year declines in their acceptance rates, but what stands out for the current year?

Well, among nuanced shifts from last year to now, Duke and Vanderbilt stand out as non-Ivies growing in popularity and becoming increasingly competitive:

• Early round applications to Duke shot up a remarkable 29%.
• Regular round interest in Duke also rose sharply, a full 8%.
• Duke's overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 dropped to 5.1%, thus narrowly edging out two Ivies, Brown and Dartmouth.
• Vanderbilt, also not an Ivy, saw a 13.5% increase in the number of applicants applying this year compared to last year, with its admit rate dropping from an already low 5.6% last year, to 5.1% this year.

Acceptance Rates Show Signs of Leveling Off

If you haven't got the news already, you're facing significantly more daunting admissions rates on your college journey today than students did ten years ago!

But I do have a sliver of good news to share — there are signs the trend toward increasing competition, if not reversing, is at least leveling off.

The Long Downward Trend

Over the past decade admissions rates at the Ivies have been, overall, on a steady downward trajectory, with the shift to test-optional admissions at many Ivies following the pandemic briefly accelerating the trend even further.

How much have acceptance rates declined percentage-wise during this time period? Well, at most of the Ivies acceptance rates have declined a full 30 to 50% over the past decade.

Hundreds of thousands of high-achieving students apply to the Ivy League each year, and the numbers are growing! The Ivy League received 311,948 applications for the class of 2023 and a record 400,750 applications for the class of 2025. The incoming class of 2027 will likely beat that record with about 410,500 applications!

- crimson education, "ivy league acceptance rates for the class of 2027".

The table below shows what admissions statistics look like going back nine years (Class of 2020), where these rates were three years later (Class of 2023, before the pandemic), and where they stood the year after the pandemic (Class of 2025), spotlighting the consistent downward slope of admit rates at the Ivies over multiple years:

Years of Declining Admit Rates at the Ivies

Leveling off for three years in a row.

Comparing data for just the past two years, and this year (the Class of ‘26, ‘27, and ‘28), we see clear evidence that acceptance rates are currently stabilizing, but remain highly competitive.

Two of the eight Ivies, Harvard and Brown, have seen their acceptance rates gain a bit of extra lift YoY for two consecutive years, while acceptance rates at UPenn and Columbia also actually trended up for at least one of the last three years.

The table below shows acceptance rates at the Ivies for the Classes of ‘26, ‘27, and ‘28:

Are Admit Rates Leveling Off?

Early round admission rates.

Even with some good news that prospective applicants may want to celebrate, that admissions rates are leveling off, students and families with top-flight schools in their sights still face a daunting admissions landscape, with admissions rates this year at or near their lowest points in a decade .

Consider that for the Class of 2028, three Ivies — Harvard, Yale, and Brown — as well as two non-Ivies — Duke and MIT — saw overall acceptance rates as low as 5.2% (Brown) and 3.6% (Harvard).

And remember, students applying in the regular round are up against an even lower acceptance rate , compared to the overall rate.

But the inverse is also true — early round acceptance rates are often significantly higher compared to the overall and Regular Decision rates.

Admit Rates: The Early Round Advantage

Taking just Yale as an example from the table above to make our point, a comparison of the Early admit rate and Overall admit rate amounts to an early round acceptance rate favorability factor of +5.3% (9.0% vs. 3.7%).

Remembering that Yale's Regular Decision rate is even lower, at 2.75%, the early round advantage is even more pronounced, offering a favorable edge of +6.25% (9.0% vs. 2.75%).

Now imagine you’re planning your own journey to a top school like Yale, Brown, or Harvard in the next year or two, and wondering whether it makes sense to apply in the early round, or not .

There are definitely many factors to consider, but the table below, using this year’s admissions data, provides you a snapshot of how dramatic an advantage, statistically speaking, the early round acceptance rate can offer , compared to applying regular decision:

The Early Round Boost

The early round advantages.

Are you up to the challenge of applying early? If so, an early round strategy is well worth considering for the following reasons :

• Smaller Applicant Pool: You compete against fewer applicants, as we've seen, potentially increasing your odds. The table above is a vivid reminder of how much higher early round acceptance rates tend to be at top schools, compared to regular round decision rates, spotlighting a significant numerical advantage.
• Demonstrated Interest: Applying early and expressing how specific offerings at your prospective school align with your own interests is an effective way to signal a strong fit and commitment vis-a-vis the school you’re applying to.

Making Your Decision to Apply Early

While timing matters, demonstrating exceptional qualifications is paramount.

Whether you apply early or regular , the Ivies and other top schools, such as Duke, Vanderbilt, Stanford, MIT, the University of Chicago, or Northwestern, to name a few, are seeking students with outstanding academic records, diverse talents, and the potential to make significant contributions to their community.

With that in mind you need to look at all your circumstances to decide the best approach :

• Be sure to consider any restrictions or conditions you’re taking on as an early round applicant.
• See if the timeline fits with your circumstances , allowing you to submit an application by the early deadline.
• Don't compromise on quality — ensure you can submit an application that's meticulously prepared and truly highlights your unique strengths and full potential.
• Reach out to a skilled admissions advisor and get help if you feel uncertain what strategy is ideal for your individual situation.

Adding complexity to acceptance rate data and trends are a number of other shifting factors potentially impacting your college journey.

Early Admissions Trends — What the Data Tell Us

• Schools with Early Action/Restrictive Early Action policies are growing less dependent on early round admits to fill their incoming classes.
• Schools that have Early Decision policies have been increasing their reliance on early round admissions overall, during the past few years.
• Early Decision Round II (EDII) programs are becoming important to more top universities, typically as a way to improve yield and lock in enrollment numbers. My analysis of initial data suggests such programs could significantly boost a student's odds for admission.

As an example of how EDII programs impacted acceptance rates, we can highlight Vanderbilt, where the EDII acceptance rate struck 10.3% , compared to 4.7% for RD applicants.

Similarly, at Johns Hopkins, the EDII acceptance rate likewise reached 10.3%, compared to 4.5% for RD.

Holistic Admissions without Race-Based Considerations

Most top schools have well-established commitments to building diverse student bodies and maintaining holistic approaches to admissions. One thing that has recently changed, however, is the legality of using race-based indicators to pursue these goals.

Last summer’s landmark Supreme Court ruling banned these preferences, changing a key feature of holistic admissions policies at many institutions across the US.

A Resurgence of Standardized Testing?

There is also uncertainty around the future of test-optional admissions policies.

While test-optional policies are recently become quite widespread and virtually the norm, some high-profile institutions have recently announced plans to revert to standardized testing . These include Dartmouth and Brown, and also Yale, where the test-optional policy is being replaced with a 'test-flexible' test score requirement that also incorporates AP and IB test score reporting options.

Test-Optional Admissions – Yes or No?

In February 2024, Dartmouth announced its plan to reintroduce SAT/ACT requirements for the Class of 2028, followed by Yale (reintroducing testing requirements with a “test-flexible” approach), and Brown.

In March 2024, Columbia announced plans to remain permanently test optional.

Princeton also will remain test optional, along with UPenn , at least through admissions for the Class of 2029.

Officials at Cornell have announced plans to remain test optional or test blind, depending on the school and program applied to, at least another year. 

Harvard has announced plans to remain test-optional through admissions for the Class of 2030.

Students who do not submit standardized test scores will not be disadvantaged in their application process. Applicants will be considered on the basis of what they have presented, and students are encouraged to send whatever materials they believe would convey their accomplishments in secondary school and their promise for the future.

- havard university, office of admissions, tips for building your own winning application.

Now that I’ve taken you on a tour through today’s Ivy League admissions landscape, you might be wondering if you can get some actionable tips for your own admissions application.

These tips can’t be a substitute for a more personalized approach, but the components I'm going to highlight do align with the core pillars of a competitive application and are the same components typically guiding our strategists and college counselors as they help students reach the best schools possible.

Four Pillars of a Strong Application

• Evaluating Extracurriculars

Crafting Compelling Essays

Communicating alignment and strong interest.

At top universities there’s a strong expectation that students must be prepared to succeed in an academically rigorous and vibrant learning environment.

Your high school transcripts and standardized test scores are the academic touchstones admissions officers rely on when evaluating academic readiness and potential. You’ll be better positioned for competing at top schools if your transcripts show evidence of the following:

• Advancement: Consistent academic engagement and progress over your high school career.
• Ambition and Rigor: Rigorous courses (such as AP courses or an IB program, when available), reflecting deeper learning, effort, and ambition.
• Intrinsic Curiosity and Exploration: Some combination of rich and broad intellectual and personal exploration (breadth across courses and elective choices) or intense depth of interest and commitment to certain subject-area interests.
• Impressive Test Scores & Overall GPA: Achieving strong scores on SAT or ACT tests, as well as AP or IB tests, and a strong overall GPA all help you demonstrate solid foundational academic skills, including essential literacy and numeracy skills and analytical thinking skills.

Evaluating Your Extracurriculars

Your extracurriculars pull a lot of weight in a holistic admissions landscape, because they’re key to adding context to who you are outside of the classroom.

• Extracurriculars can give depth and dimensionality to who you are , telling a story that goes beyond what may be an impressive list of academic scores and accomplishments. How do your extracurricular activities reflect or relate to your story? For example, working at a fast food restaurant after school may not seem highly relevant for college admissions at first, but if it tells something about your grit and perseverance as you, let's say, help your family navigate a tough economic time, or as you seek to live out a desire to be more self-reliant, then that after-school job is an extracurricular and can tell a vivid story that makes for a more memorable profile.
• Extracurriculars build and reflect personal choices and valuable growth experiences , providing insights into your intellectual curiosity, your willingness to take risks, or ways you developed and used practical leadership skills for positive change or public service.

Extracurriculars create a holistic narrative of your values and potential , adding important information to other application components, such as personal essays and academics.

Success in college takes more than academic preparation and stellar study habits. It requires an ability to grow into meaningful values, navigate important life decisions, and develop interpersonal skills and an ability for self-reflection — all areas you can spotlight with compelling essays .

• Be willing to write about something you care about. Your essays are a prime opportunity for letting admissions officers see you a bit from the inside out. Be sure to inject some moderate doses of candor, authenticity, and vulnerability. For example, showing an exceptional sense of humor may not seem significant, but does it light up the world for those around you, or help you navigate a personal crisis or struggle? If so, that sense of humor may not merely be a quirk of your personality but a trait that shines light on how you'll positively mature personally in college and positively impact campus life.
• Your essay is a window into your social identify . Earning straight A's doesn’t guarantee you'll contribute value and joy to those around you — your essay is an opportunity to help admissions officers, eager to know you from afar, see crucial intangible qualities, such as how you see, treat, and interact with yourself, those around you, and the wider world.

We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. Through your writing, we get a glimpse of what you might bring to our community, including your voice and creativity.

- upenn, office of admissions.

Another important feature of a competitive application is one that highlights a strong interest and compelling ‘fit’ between your goals and interests and the school you’re applying to.

Is there a unique program within a larger school or department that’s ‘right up your alley’ so to speak, or a professor whose book you read one summer and found exceptionally inspiring or insightful…?

Thousands of students from around the world will apply to the top schools every year, often simply because it’s a top school and not for any other compelling reason.

When you spotlight a compelling interest and ‘fit,’ you're ahead of the pack in making your application more genuine, compelling, and memorable — quickly giving yourself a small but powerful edge.

Final Thoughts

You now know more than many of your peers when it comes to the big trends and more nuanced shifts that are shaping the US admissions landscape right now.

My hope is that you've found some insights to take away and use as you chart your own path, one leading you right to the doors of your dream school!

If you haven’t already connected with the Crimson student and advisor networks, remember that our counselors and students — who work as partners towards the same goal — have made Crimson Education a hands-down leader in admissions counseling, based on an amazing track record of success, including at the world's most selective schools.

Have questions about all of this? Most students and families start with a free consultation , as an easy way to check out how we might help!

It's been a pleasure sharing my analysis and thoughts with you today. Stay motivated and visit us again soon — we've got new insights to share on to our blog pages almost every day!

About the Contributor

Arkesh Patel

Arkesh Patel is the Chief Operating Officer of Crimson Education, the world's largest and most successful university admissions consulting firm. Crimson Education has helped thousands of students gain admission into the Ivy League and top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, and many others. Arkesh graduated from the University of Cambridge with a B.A in Chemistry (First Class Honors) and received his M.B.A with Distinction from Harvard Business School.

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5 Business Education Trends to Watch in 2022

As we enter 2022, business schools are once again faced with the challenge of perpetual change, travel restrictions, and the continued rise and fall of COVID-19 cases caused by new variants. Yet, this year, schools are better prepared for these challenges than they were before.

Since the first COVID outbreak, schools have adopted new educational technologies at a rapid rate, launched flexible delivery formats, and recruited and trained thousands of learners both online and offline.

Plus, amid the disruption, demand for graduate management education persists. Applications to business schools surged after the first COVID wave and remain high as professionals re-evaluate their careers and strive for job market competitiveness.

So how might the world of business education be different this year? Here are five of the biggest business education trends to watch in 2022:

• Rise of the Virtual Campus
• Climate Consciousness
• Stackability
• Interdisciplinarity
• Return of the International Candidate

1. Rise of the Virtual Campus

In New York, Columbia Business School opens its new campus this month with two facilities on Columbia University’s Manhattanville campus, doubling the size of the school’s current space. But mostly, in 2022, we’ll see the growth and development of the virtual campus, with schools building closer ties between real-life and virtual learning environments.

The majority of schools  now offer MBA programs in hybrid or online formats, and most schools say the pandemic will have a lasting impact on their programs. In fact, Columbia’s new campus has been built complete with microphones, cameras, and an array of new technologies to enable hybrid learning.

In France, NEOMA Business School was the first European business school to open a fully virtual campus  in late 2020. Using a personalized avatar, NEOMA students can study in virtual classrooms; attend conference events; meet working groups; and access the school’s library, career center, and wellness center—all via the virtual campus.

Meanwhile, at INSEAD, over 2,000 students both on-campus and at home have taken part in courses using virtual reality headsets . INSEAD’s VR Immersive Learning Initiative was launched after the COVID outbreak to teach the case method in a different, more immersive way.

In 2022, hybrid learning will become increasingly fluid as new technologies are introduced to enable learners to switch seamlessly between face-to-face study and an immersive virtual world. Some deans are even talking about a metaverse for business education !

2. Climate Consciousness

Each year, BusinessBecause asks business school deans to predict how business education will change in the year ahead. In 2022, the climate crisis is top of the agenda.

ESSEC Business School in France, for example, is aiming to reduce its program-related carbon emissions by 25 percent this year.

ESSEC has eliminated all long-haul international travel, canceling trips to destinations like the U.S. and China. Instead, students on international field trips travel by train to neighboring European countries and use VR headsets to join international conferences and company networking events.

Elsewhere, topics like sustainability and “green” finance are becoming a mainstay of the business school curriculum.

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business is launching a Master in Environment and Sustainability Management in August 2022, covering business fundamentals plus topics like environmental science; climate change impact measurement; and environmental, social, and governance issues.

Schools are also transforming themselves to become more environmentally friendly. Columbia’s new campus is the first neighborhood development in New York City to earn the prestigious LEED-ND Platinum designation , based on a rating system for green buildings from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The new Columbia Climate School will be built next to the business school, and Columbia reportedly plans to co-launch an MS in climate finance by 2024.

3. Stackability

Credentials, certificates, and stackable degree programs—we’ll see business schools offer ever more flexible ways of learning in 2022. Indeed, over 70 percent of business school leaders responding to a recent MBA Roundtable survey  said alternative credentials are a required part of a business school’s strategy.

Saint Joseph’s University Haub School of Business relaunched its MBA program in a super-flexible, stackable, three-certificate model last year. Learners can study individual credit-bearing certificates online or in-person, and/or they can stack three of them to gain full MBA certification.

For many schools, stackable microcredentials  will become a useful recruiting tool. These are typically lower-cost, online, credit-bearing courses, meaning participating students gain credits that count toward a formal degree program.

By offering microcredentials , schools can therefore build brand awareness, showcase their expertise, and attract a wider candidate audience, while providing a strong incentive for learners to pursue their full degree programs in the future.

The online Master in Management Essentials program, for example, is offered by ESMT Berlin, IE Business School in Madrid, and Imperial College Business School in London. On completion, participants earn a certificate from each school and can then apply credits earned to full-time master’s programs at ESMT and IE.

Students who enroll in a master’s program also get the total cost of the course (6,500 EUR, or 7,300 USD) deducted from their tuition.

4. Interdisciplinarity

Business schools in 2022 are no longer gilded outposts on the edge of the university campus. Instead, schools are collaborating with other departments, integrating the insights from diverse fields—humanities, political science, natural sciences, and design—into the curriculum.

As schools take an interdisciplinary approach, MBA and business master’s students study coding and sustainable finance, and they focus more on the intersection between business and healthcare  and between business and the environment .

In September 2022, University College London will open the world’s first business school solely dedicated to healthcare . UCL’s Global Business School for Health will train future healthcare leaders and will offer a Health MBA plus specialized master’s programs in biotech and pharmaceutical management, global healthcare management, and digital health and entrepreneurship.

And there are even forays into the space industry. Arizona State University Thunderbird School of Global Management has just launched its Executive Master of Global Management with a specialization in space leadership, business, and policy, covering topics including space policy and law, space entrepreneurship, and ethical and sustainable commercial space travel.

5. Return of the International Candidate

COVID will continue to impact the plans of some business school candidates looking to study abroad in 2022. In China, travel and visa restrictions mean that schools are struggling to recruit international students.

But, in general, this year will see more international students arriving on business school campuses, as international applications continue to recover from the hit they took at the start of the pandemic.

The Graduate Management Admission Council’s Application Trends Survey , which serves as a good barometer for the year ahead, found that the total volume of international applications to graduate programs rose by 4.1 percent in 2021, while 44 percent of MBA programs saw an increase in international applications.

In 2021, 57 percent of two-year MBA programs—many of them top-ranking U.S. MBA programs—reported an increase in international applications, compared to 28 percent in 2019. One likely cause is the end to Trump-era visa restrictions that allowed for greater mobility.

More women are also applying to two-year MBAs (60 percent of programs reported application growth from women in 2021), with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania enrolling its first majority-female MBA class in its history.

Before the pandemic, applications to graduate business school programs hit a three-year low. Now, increasing demand and the diversity of the candidate pool suggest positive signs for the year ahead.

• microcredentials
• online learning
• societal impact
• sustainability
• virtual reality

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What’s it like to be a teacher in america today, public k-12 teachers are stressed about their jobs and few are optimistic about the future of education; many say poverty, absenteeism and mental health are major problems at their school.

Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand the views and experiences of public K-12 school teachers. The analysis in this report is based on an online survey of 2,531 U.S. public K-12 teachers conducted from Oct. 17 to Nov. 14, 2023. The teachers surveyed are members of RAND’s American Teacher Panel, a nationally representative panel of public K-12 school teachers recruited through MDR Education. Survey data is weighted to state and national teacher characteristics to account for differences in sampling and response to ensure they are representative of the target population.

Here are the questions used for this report , along with responses, and the survey methodology .

Low-poverty , medium-poverty and high-poverty schools are based on the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (less than 40%, 40%-59% and 60% or more, respectively).

Secondary schools include both middle schools and high schools.

All references to party affiliation include those who lean toward that party. Republicans include those who identify as Republicans and those who say they lean toward the Republican Party. Democrats include those who identify as Democrats and those who say they lean toward the Democratic Party.

Public K-12 schools in the United States face a host of challenges these days – from teacher shortages to the lingering effects of COVID-19 learning loss to political battles over curriculum .

In the midst of all this, teachers express low levels of satisfaction with their jobs. In fact, they’re much less satisfied than U.S. workers overall.

Here’s how public K-12 teachers are feeling about their jobs:

• 77% say their job is frequently stressful.
• 68% say it’s overwhelming.
• 70% say their school is understaffed.
• 52% say they would not advise a young person starting out today to become a teacher.

When it comes to how their students are doing in school, teachers are relatively downbeat about both academic performance and behavior.

Here’s how public K-12 teachers rate academic performance and behavior at their school:

• 48% say the academic performance of most students at their school is fair or poor. A third say it’s good, and only 17% describe it as excellent or very good.
• 49% say the behavior of most students at their school is fair or poor; 35% say it’s good and 13% say it’s excellent or very good.

The COVID-19 pandemic likely compounded these issues. About eight-in-ten teachers (among those who have been teaching for at least a year) say the lasting impact of the pandemic on students’ behavior, academic performance and emotional well-being has been very or somewhat negative.

Assessments of student performance and behavior differ widely by school poverty level. 1 Teachers in high-poverty schools have a much more negative outlook. But feelings of stress and dissatisfaction among teachers are fairly universal, regardless of where they teach.

Related: What Public K-12 Teachers Want Americans To Know About Teaching

As they navigate these challenges, teachers don’t feel they’re getting the support or reinforcement they need from parents.

Majorities of teachers say parents are doing too little when it comes to holding their children accountable if they misbehave in school, helping them with their schoolwork and ensuring their attendance.

Teachers in high- and medium-poverty schools are more likely than those in low-poverty schools to say parents are doing too little in each of these areas.

These findings are based on a survey of 2,531 U.S. public K-12 teachers conducted Oct. 17-Nov. 14, 2023, using the RAND American Teacher Panel. 2 The survey looks at the following aspects of teachers’ experiences:

• Teachers’ job satisfaction (Chapter 1)
• How teachers manage their workload (Chapter 2)
• Problems students are facing at public K-12 schools (Chapter 3)
• Challenges in the classroom (Chapter 4)
• Teachers’ views of parent involvement (Chapter 5)
• Teachers’ views on the state of public K-12 education (Chapter 6)

Problems students are facing

We asked teachers about some of the challenges students at their school are facing. Three problems topped the list:

• Poverty (53% say this is a major problem among students who attend their school)
• Chronic absenteeism (49%)
• Anxiety and depression (48%)

Chronic absenteeism (that is, students missing a substantial number of school days) is a particular challenge at high schools, with 61% of high school teachers saying this is a major problem where they teach. By comparison, 46% of middle school teachers and 43% of elementary school teachers say the same.

Anxiety and depression are viewed as a more serious problem at the secondary school level: 69% of high school teachers and 57% of middle school teachers say this is a major problem among their students, compared with 29% of elementary school teachers.

Fewer teachers (20%) view bullying as a major problem at their school, though the share is significantly higher among middle school teachers (34%).

A look inside the classroom

We also asked teachers how things are going in their classroom and specifically about some of the issues that may get in the way of teaching.

• 47% of teachers say students showing little or no interest in learning is a major problem in their classroom. The share rises to 58% among high school teachers.
• 33% say students being distracted by their cellphones is a major problem. This is particularly an issue for high school teachers, with 72% saying this is a major problem.
• About one-in-five teachers say students getting up and walking around when they’re not supposed to and being disrespectful toward them (21% each) are major problems. Teachers in elementary and middle schools are more likely than those in high schools to see these as challenges.

A majority of teachers (68%) say they’ve experienced verbal abuse from a student – such as being yelled at or threatened. Some 21% say this happens at least a few times a month.

Physical violence is less common. Even so, 40% of teachers say a student has been violent toward them , with 9% saying this happens at least a few times a month.

About two-thirds of teachers (66%) say that the current discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat mild. Only 2% say the discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat harsh, while 31% say they are neither harsh nor mild. Most teachers (67%) say teachers themselves don’t have enough influence in determining discipline practices at their school.

Behavioral issues and mental health challenges

In addition to their teaching duties, a majority of teachers (58%) say they have to address behavioral issues in their classroom every day. About three-in-ten teachers (28%) say they have to help students with mental health challenges daily.

In each of these areas, elementary and middle school teachers are more likely than those at the high school level to say they do these things on a daily basis.

And teachers in high-poverty schools are more likely than those in medium- and low-poverty schools to say they deal with these issues each day.

Cellphone policies and enforcement

Most teachers (82%) say their school or district has policies regarding cellphone use in the classroom.

Of those, 56% say these policies are at least somewhat easy to enforce, 30% say they’re difficult to enforce, and 14% say they’re neither easy nor difficult to enforce.

Experiences with cellphone policies vary widely across school levels. High school teachers (60%) are much more likely than middle school (30%) and elementary school teachers (12%) to say the policies are difficult to enforce (among those who say their school or district has a cellphone policy).

How teachers are experiencing their jobs

Thinking about the various aspects of their jobs, teachers are most satisfied with their relationship with other teachers at their school (71% are extremely or very satisfied).

They’re least satisfied with how much they’re paid – only 15% are extremely or very satisfied with their pay, while 51% are not too or not at all satisfied.

Among teachers who don’t plan to retire or stop working this year, 29% say it’s at least somewhat likely they will look for a new job in the 2023-24 school year. Within that group, 40% say they would look for a job outside of education, 29% say they’d seek a non-teaching job in education, and only 18% say they’d look for a teaching job at another public K-12 school.

Do teachers find their work fulfilling and enjoyable?

Overall, 56% of teachers say they find their job to be fulfilling extremely often or often; 53% say their job is enjoyable. These are significantly lower than the shares who say their job is frequently stressful (77%) or overwhelming (68%).

Positive experiences are more common among newer teachers. Two-thirds of those who’ve been teaching less than six years say their work is fulfilling extremely often or often, and 62% of this group says their work is frequently enjoyable.

Teachers with longer tenures are somewhat less likely to feel this way. For example, 48% of those who’ve been teaching for six to 10 years say their work is frequently enjoyable.

Balancing the workload

Most teachers (84%) say there’s not enough time during their regular work hours to do tasks like grading, lesson planning, paperwork and answering work emails.

Among those who feel this way, 81% say simply having too much work is a major reason.

Many also point to having to spend time helping students outside the classroom, performing non-teaching duties like lunch duty, and covering other teachers’ classrooms as at least minor reasons they don’t have enough time to get all their work done.

A majority of teachers (54%) say it’s very or somewhat difficult for them to balance work and their personal life. About one-in-four (26%) say it’s very or somewhat easy for them to balance these things, and 20% say it’s neither easy nor difficult.

Among teachers, women are more likely than men to say work-life balance is difficult for them (57% vs. 43%). Women teachers are also more likely to say they often find their job stressful or overwhelming.

How teachers view the education system

A large majority of teachers (82%) say the overall state of public K-12 education has gotten worse in the past five years.

And very few are optimistic about the next five years: Only 20% of teachers say public K-12 education will be a lot or somewhat better five years from now. A narrow majority (53%) say it will be worse.

Among teachers who think things have gotten worse in recent years, majorities say the current political climate (60%) and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (57%) are major reasons. A sizable share (46%) also point to changes in the availability of funding and resources.

Related:  About half of Americans say public K-12 education is going in the wrong direction

Which political party do teachers trust more to deal with educational challenges?

On balance, more teachers say they trust the Democratic Party than say they trust the Republican Party to do a better job handling key issues facing the K-12 education system. But three-in-ten or more across the following issues say they don’t trust either party:

• Shaping school curriculum (42% say they trust neither party)
• Ensuring teachers have adequate pay and benefits (35%)
• Making schools safer (35%)
• Ensuring adequate funding for schools (33%)
• Ensuring all students have equal access to high-quality K-12 education (31%)

A majority of public K-12 teachers (58%) identify or lean toward the Democratic Party. This is higher than the share among the general public (47%).

• Poverty levels are based on the percentage of students in the school who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch. ↩
• For details, refer to the Methodology section of the report. ↩
• Urban, suburban and rural schools are based on the location of the school as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (rural includes town). Definitions match those used by the U.S. Census Bureau. ↩

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Table of contents, ‘back to school’ means anytime from late july to after labor day, depending on where in the u.s. you live, among many u.s. children, reading for fun has become less common, federal data shows, most european students learn english in school, for u.s. teens today, summer means more schooling and less leisure time than in the past, about one-in-six u.s. teachers work second jobs – and not just in the summer, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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Improving Access, Affordability, and Quality in the Early Care and Education (ECE)   Market

Nearly 60 percent of children under age six in the United States spend time in nonparental care on a regular basis. For families with young children, access to affordable, high-quality early care and education (ECE)has economic and social benefits for children and their parents. ECE can boost parents’—and particularly mothers’—employment and may alsobenefit children’s short-term development and long-term well-being . These benefits in the long run reap greater productivity , less individual reliance on government transfers, and fewer costly , negative outcomes , such as criminal engagement.

Despite these benefits and widespread reliance on ECE, the market for ECE in the United States does not function well . Rather than a coordinated system, it is a decentralized patchwork of informal and formal providers caring for children—in homes, centers, and schools. While this varied landscape may provide families flexibility to choose the ECE options that best meet their needs, challenges in the market lead to a persistent gap between the cost of providing high-quality care and prices that families can afford.

This post outlines the issues in the ECE market, and the resulting lack of affordable, high-quality care for young children, illustrates how these challenges are particularly acute for low-income families, and highlights policy solutions to expand the availability and affordability of high-quality ECE.

Challenges in the ECE market reduce the availability of high-quality care

Evidence from across the ECE market indicates that it underprovides high-quality, affordable care relative to what families want and what would be socially optimal. Nearly three-quarters of center-based providers experienced excess demand for childcare slots in 2019, and over three-quarters of households that searched for care for their young children in the same year had difficulty finding care that met their needs.

Four primary issues plague the ECE market:

(1) Workforce challenges , including low pay and high turnover, are problematic because child–caregiver relationships and staff continuity are important ingredients in ECE program quality;

(2) The high costs of providing high-quality care because ECE is a labor-intensive industry reliant primarily on families’ payments with limited options for increasing revenue or reducing operating costs to invest in quality improvements;

(3) ECE pricing and consumers’ price-sensitivity may lead families to respond to higher prices by forgoing market-based ECE services and instead relying on informal, unpaid, and often lower-quality care; and

(4) Business model fragility due to many small firms, often sole proprietorships, that face startup costs and thin profit margins, and are particularly vulnerable to economic headwinds.

These market challenges result in less availability of and lower participation in ECE relative to participation rates in other countries and particularly for low-income families.

Use of formal childcare varies across the income distribution

Childcare consumption looks different across the family income distribution. Higher income households are more likely than lower income households to receive and pay for childcare (Figure 1), though there is some subsidization across the income distribution. [1]

The average household that uses childcare for children under six spends $532 per month on it, or eight percent of their income. [2] This estimate includes households that use childcare but do not pay for it. Restricting to the subset of households with young children that pay for childcare, the average household spends $920 per month on it, approximately 13 percent of their income. Lower income households are more likely to receive childcare for which they do not pay, and childcare expenses increase with family income.

Burden of childcare costs also varies across the income distribution

Growth in childcare costs has outpaced income growth and inflation. From 1990 to 2019 , childcare prices rose 210 percent—faster than the overall price index (74 percent) and median family income (143 percent). Among all households that pay for childcare, lower income households pay a considerably larger share of their income for childcare (Figure 2). Importantly, while lower income households would likely qualify for subsidized care—either through childcare subsidies or publicly-provided programs—capacity constraints often mean that participation among eligible families is low. For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that in 2019, 12.5 million children were potentially eligible for childcare subsidies, but only one in six eligible children received them.

Childcare search is more difficult for lower income households

While a majority of young children live in households that experienced difficulty finding childcare, lower income households report greater difficulty finding such care. Over 70 percent of children in households with income between $20,001 and $40,000 that searched for care reported at least some difficulty finding care in 2019 (Figure 3). In contrast, higher income households are more likely to report problems with capacity (“lack of open spots for new children”) and concerns with quality as primary barriers to care.  

Improving access, affordability, and quality in the ECE market

Addressing the market challenges in childcare requires policies that close the gap between the cost of providing high-quality care and the prices that families can afford. One such policy is the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that subsidizes childcare for more than 1.5 million children from low-income families. This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ( ACF–2023–0003 ), which aims to improve access, lower costs, and expand choices for families while reducing barriers to participation for childcare providers in the CCDF program.

Subsidies for both families seeking care and providers supplying care play an important role in addressing these market challenges and moving toward greater availability of affordable, high-quality care. Two recent working papers find that a combination of subsidies targeting low-income families coupled with provider-side investments proves effective in expanding enrollment in high-quality care. Supply-side subsidies tied to the costs of providing high-quality care allow providers to invest in costly quality improvements, while adjusting the price consumers pay based on their income makes it easier for families to accommodate high-quality care in their budgets.

Improvements to CCDF are one policy lever to support low-income families in their access to care.  Greater investments in both ECE providers and families seeking care well up the income distribution—as in the President’s FY24 budget proposal —could make progress in closing the gap between the high cost of high-quality care and the prices families can afford, generating benefits for those families, their children, their communities, and the overall economy.

[1] Analysis of the National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE) focuses on formal child care, which includes care provided by paid individuals (with no prior relationship to the household), center-based care, preschool, community-based care, and other organizational ECE on a regular and irregular basis.

[2] This estimate is per household, not per child. When households have multiple children under six, it aggregates their child care expenses. Estimates are in 2022 dollars.

Last week, the Biden-Harris Administration took another major step to support families and childcare providers through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). 1/ — Council of Economic Advisers (@WhiteHouseCEA) July 18, 2023

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CBSE Result 2024: When to Expect Results? Check Past Year Trends

Published By : Sukanya Nandy

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 10, 2024, 13:11 IST

New Delhi, India

The results are scheduled to be published on the official CBSE board websites at cbse.nic.in and cbse.gov.in. (Representative Image)

The results are scheduled to be published on the official CBSE board websites at cbse.nic.in and cbse.gov.in. This year more than 39 lakh students registered for the 10th, 12th exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the class 10 and 12 examinations from February 15 to April 2, 2024. These exams saw the participation of over 39 lakh students from India and about 26 other countries. The results are scheduled to be published on the official CBSE board websites at cbse.nic.in and cbse.gov.in. This year more than 39 lakh students registered for the CBSE board exams. As per media reports, the results are expected to be released in May.

CBSE Result 2024: When Were Results Released Last Year?

As the exams conclude, attention now turns to the expected result date and an analysis of past year trends. Last year, the results were announced on May 12. While in the year 2022, the results were released on July 22.

ALSO READ | CBSE Changes Year-end Exam Format for Classes 11, 12; Weightage for Concept-based Questions 50% Now

CBSE Result 2024: How Class 12 Students Fared in the Exams Last Year?

Around 16.9 lakh students appeared for the exam in 2023, out of which 7.4 lakh were female students, 9.51 lakh male candidates, and 5 students registered under the ‘others’ category. A total of 1,12,838 students scored 90 per cent or more marks. CBSE board informed that a total of 1,25,705 Class 12 students were placed in the compartment category.

CBSE Result 2024: How Class 10 Students Fared in the Exams Last Year?

Out of 2184117 students who registered for the exams, 2165805 students took the exam in 2023. As many as 2016779 students passed the exam taking the overall pass percentage to 93.12 per cent. In 2022, as many as 107689 students, or 5.14 per cent of students who took the exam were placed in the compartment exam,  in 2023, the number increased. A total of 6.22 per cent of students or 134774 students were placed in compartments last year.

CBSE Result 2024: Passing Criteria

A student must secure a minimum of 26 marks out of 80 to pass the theory examination of particular subjects in the CBSE class 10 and class 12 results 2024. Along with this, a student must secure 33 percent in each subject to pass the examination.

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While union numbers on the whole  generally declined  in 2023, some of the biggest American unions were able to augment their numbers in spite of the downward trend.

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, "Many of the nation’s largest unions including the Teamsters and West Coast dock workers saw membership gains last year, signaling potential for new organizing even as the labor movement struggles to tighten its grip on the workforce, according to new federal data.

"The numbers paint a more optimistic portrait of unions’ ability to recruit new members, particularly in the service and manufacturing sectors, even in the face of declining density nationwide. Two dozen groups added members in 2023, a year marked by high-profile strikes and labor stoppage threats across industries. The additions overcome losses from seven other peer unions, according to a Bloomberg Law analysis of disclosures filed with the US Department of Labor last week."

For context, union membership rates across private and public sector workers overall dropped to 10 percent in 2023, down from 10.1 percent in 2022. For comparison, when this data first became available in 1983, that number was at 20.1 percent – or double where unions are now. In the private sector, only 6 percent of those workers now belong to unions as of 2023. 

Nevertheless, this report showing gains by some of the nation's largest labor organizations, combined with  historic union organizing numbers  and the seemingly growing number of union election successes, may move those union membership percentages upward by the close of 2024. In addition,  recent changes  by the National Labor Relations Board to the union election process may further help unions bolster their ranks. We'll see how this all shakes out by year's end. Stay tuned.

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Share of parents already practicing dietary education Japan 2023

According to a survey conducted among parents in Japan in 2023, close to half, 47.7 percent of respondents, stated that they occasionally practice dietary education for their children. Around 40 percent of respondents stated that they do not practice dietary education.

Share of parents already practicing dietary education in Japan as of February 2023

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February 22 to February 23, 2023

100 respondents

Online survey

Original question: “Have you already been practicing dietary education at home?”

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Statistics on " Eating behavior in Portugal "

• Average number of meals consumed weekly in Portugal 2022, by type
• Frequency of eating at a restaurant in Portugal 2023
• Sources of information regarding nutrition in Portugal 2022
• Opinion on school feeding in Portugal 2022, by measure
• Most advertised food to children in Portugal 2022-2023, by category
• Distribution of staple diets in Portugal 2023
• Number of diet followers in Portugal 2023, by type
• Share of people with lactose-free and gluten-free diets in Portugal Q2 2023
• Reasons for eating behaviors in Portugal 2023, by diet
• Food choice criteria in Portugal 2022, by level of importance
• Consumer opinions regarding eating habits in Portugal 2023
• Changes in eating habits caused by rise in inflation in Portugal 2022
• Per capita rice consumption in Portugal 2018/2019-2022/2023, by length
• Sugar consumption per capita in Portugal 2017/2018-2022/2023
• Fruit consumption per capita in Portugal 2019/2020-2021/2022, by type
• Cereals consumption per capita in Portugal 2019/2020-2022/2023, by type
• Hen eggs consumption per capita in Portugal 2018-2022
• Dairy consumption per capita in Portugal 2020-2022 by type
• Yogurt consumption in Portugal 2022, by meal
• Reasons for having better eating habits in Portugal 2023
• Share of people concerned about food in Portugal 2022, by aspect
• Share of people who took dietary measures to protect the environment in Portugal 2022
• Conditions for ingesting alternatives to animal protein in Portugal 2023
• Openness to try food alternatives in Portugal in 2023, by option
• Intentions regarding future consumption of animal products in Portugal 2023
• Main reasons for buying plant-based products in Portugal 2023
• Preferred snacks in Portugal 2023
• Main reasons to consume fast food in Portugal 2022
• Preferred fast food brands in Portugal 2022
• Share of fast food consumers in Portugal 2022, by type of food
• Share of chocolate bars and snacks consumers in Portugal 2012-2022
• Average price of food basket with essential food products in Portugal 2022-2024
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages price inflation rate in Portugal 2022-2023
• Rate of inflation for food in Portugal 2022-2024
• Annual food expenditure of households in Portugal 2018-2023
• Annual variation rate of household food expenditure in Portugal 2018-2023
• Diet prices per week in Portugal February 2023
• Cheapest online supermarkets in Portugal January-April 2023, by index
• Number of times food is purchased per month in Portugal 2022

Other statistics that may interest you Eating behavior in Portugal

• Premium Statistic Average number of meals consumed weekly in Portugal 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Frequency of eating at a restaurant in Portugal 2023
• Premium Statistic Sources of information regarding nutrition in Portugal 2022
• Premium Statistic Alcohol consumption in Portugal 2022, by time frame and gender
• Premium Statistic Opinion on school feeding in Portugal 2022, by measure
• Premium Statistic Most advertised food to children in Portugal 2022-2023, by category
• Premium Statistic Portugal: food insecurity prevalence 2014-2022, by severity

Eating habits and preferences

• Premium Statistic Distribution of staple diets in Portugal 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of diet followers in Portugal 2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of people with lactose-free and gluten-free diets in Portugal Q2 2023
• Premium Statistic Reasons for eating behaviors in Portugal 2023, by diet
• Premium Statistic Food choice criteria in Portugal 2022, by level of importance
• Premium Statistic Consumer opinions regarding eating habits in Portugal 2023
• Premium Statistic Changes in eating habits caused by rise in inflation in Portugal 2022

Food consumption

• Premium Statistic Per capita rice consumption in Portugal 2018/2019-2022/2023, by length
• Premium Statistic Sugar consumption per capita in Portugal 2017/2018-2022/2023
• Premium Statistic Fruit consumption per capita in Portugal 2019/2020-2021/2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Cereals consumption per capita in Portugal 2019/2020-2022/2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Hen eggs consumption per capita in Portugal 2018-2022
• Premium Statistic Dairy consumption per capita in Portugal 2020-2022 by type
• Premium Statistic Yogurt consumption in Portugal 2022, by meal
• Premium Statistic Meat consumption per capita in Portugal 2021-2022, by type

Healthy eating and food alternatives

• Basic Statistic Reasons for having better eating habits in Portugal 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of people concerned about food in Portugal 2022, by aspect
• Premium Statistic Share of people who took dietary measures to protect the environment in Portugal 2022
• Premium Statistic Conditions for ingesting alternatives to animal protein in Portugal 2023
• Premium Statistic Openness to try food alternatives in Portugal in 2023, by option
• Premium Statistic Intentions regarding future consumption of animal products in Portugal 2023
• Premium Statistic Main reasons for buying plant-based products in Portugal 2023

Snacks and fast food

• Premium Statistic Preferred snacks in Portugal 2023
• Premium Statistic Main reasons to consume fast food in Portugal 2022
• Premium Statistic Preferred fast food brands in Portugal 2022
• Premium Statistic Share of fast food consumers in Portugal 2022, by type of food
• Premium Statistic Share of chocolate bars and snacks consumers in Portugal 2012-2022

Consumer spending

• Premium Statistic Average price of food basket with essential food products in Portugal 2022-2024
• Basic Statistic Food and non-alcoholic beverages price inflation rate in Portugal 2022-2023
• Basic Statistic Rate of inflation for food in Portugal 2022-2024
• Premium Statistic Annual food expenditure of households in Portugal 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Annual variation rate of household food expenditure in Portugal 2018-2023
• Premium Statistic Diet prices per week in Portugal February 2023
• Premium Statistic Cheapest online supermarkets in Portugal January-April 2023, by index
• Premium Statistic Number of times food is purchased per month in Portugal 2022

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