re: Dear educators, Gen Z here. Could you please teach us like it’s 2026?

quote:

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Elon Musk's Ad Astra school, a private institution for the children of SpaceX employees, rejects traditional schooling. Instead, it prioritizes project-based, interdisciplinary learning in STEM fields, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. The school uses flexible, collaborative learning environments and continuous assessment rather than standardized tests.



While currently small-scale, its innovative approach has generated interest in potentially influencing broader educational reform, although scalability and inclusivity remain challenges

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The description of the video you linked. So you're taking the example of a private school focusing on STEM, with a sample size made up of children of some of the smartest people on the planet, and saying "this can be used everywhere with everyone!" while also saying a universal approach is what's wrong.

I work with high schoolers and young adults that have chosen a specific path that interests them and they think they can work in. My contention is that the vast majority 1) lack elementary knowledge needed to succeed in those fields, 2) rely too heavily on technology, and 3) see no problem with any of this.

Your answer is to use artificial intelligence. I'm saying they need real intelligence first. I could read at 3 years old. My daughter can read at 3 years old. That's an exception, not a rule. In my opinion, there is a small percentage of kids that would be identified as smart enough to require specialized, tailored curriculum that maximizes their gifts. Not every kid is a genius, but every kid should be able to do basic math and be able to function in society without needing to be coddled and accommodated.