In this episode of The Signals Podcast, host Laura Glabb sits down with Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart and former executive director of education at the Gates Foundation to explore the evolving world of credentialing, personalized learning, and the next generation of education. From his early advocacy for digital badges and learning records to his current work shaping AI-first schools, Tom shares a behind-the-scenes look at two decades of pushing the boundaries of education reform.

Laura and Tom delve into the complexities of skill-based hiring, the limitations of degrees as signals, and the need for richer, verified learner experiences on resumes. They discuss why the future of education lies in building better signaling systems, ones that capture not only what learners know, but what they’ve done. With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of realism, Tom reflects on what it takes to innovate in a messy, slow-moving ecosystem and why he still believes deeply in the power of new schools, new tools, and human potential.

Key Moments

05:10 "Challenges in Personalized Learning Progress"

07:58 AI Enhancing Credential Utility

11:08 Rethinking Resume Signals

14:35 Enhancing Experience Through Metadata

20:49 Emerging Industry Apprenticeship Trends

24:53 Cautious Shift to Credentialed Education

27:10 Rethinking Graduation: Skills and Experiences

30:30 Education System Innovation Reports

33:58 "Evolution of Horizon Schools"

39:13 Dynamic, Personalized Learning Paths

42:16 "AI-Driven Micro School Initiative"

43:38 Micro Schools: Quick Launch Revolution

47:23 "Collective and Individual Learning Journeys"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• You’re tired of degrees that say little about what someone can actually do. Tom challenges the utility of traditional credentials and offers a compelling alternative vision rooted in real-world skills and verified experiences.

  
  

• You want to understand why personalized learning hasn’t scaled—yet. Gain perspective from someone who’s been championing this work since 2010 and has the receipts to prove it.

  
  

• You're curious about AI’s role in reshaping education. From dynamic content to project-based tutoring, Tom lays out how AI could finally make personalized, equitable learning a reality.

  
  

• You care about making education more meaningful and equitable. Whether you’re in K–12, higher ed, workforce development, or edtech, this conversation will reframe how you think about learner profiles and the future of opportunity.

Connect with Tom Vander Ark

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomvanderark
Website: https://www.gettingsmart.com

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyronlearning/

Company Website: https://www.kyronlearning.com/

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