
Preparing Students for 2076: Ben Kornell on AI, Assessment, and the Future of Learning
Send us Fan MailIn this special crossover episode, Edtech Insiders host Ben Kornell joins Allison Salisbury, author of The Humanist, for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, education, workforce development, and the future of learning. Together, they explore how AI could reshape assessment, personalized learning, school design, and the skills students will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy AI should be used to redesign education and not just make existing systems more efficient.How assessment could shift from annual testing to continuous, actionable feedback.The durable skills students need to succeed in a world of constant technological change.What the personalized learning movement got right and wrong.How AI, school choice, and new funding models could reshape the future of K-12 education.✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:31] Ben shares why he's changed his view on AI-native companies and the future of edtech entrepreneurship.[00:07:15] Why optimizing today's education system may be aiming too low[00:09:00] The case for preparing students for 2076 instead of 1926.[00:11:10] The enduring importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and learning how to learn.[00:15:27] How AI could transform assessment and provide real-time insight into student learning.[00:18:09] The biggest barriers to competency-based education at scale.[00:22:43] Lessons from the first wave of personalized learning and what AI changes now.[00:27:43] What an AI-native high school could look like.[00:30:19] The opportunities and risks of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).[00:39:42] Ben's $200 million vision for rebuilding educational assessment[00:41:48] Why teenagers may be the most overlooked innovators of the AI era.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.










