OpEd
John Bailey
An AI Healthcare Coalition Suggests a Better ...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the dialogue often veers between the extremes of stringent regulation, like the European Union’s AI Act, and laissez-faire approaches that risk unbridled technological advances without sufficient safeguards. Amidst this polarized debate, the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) has emerged as a promising alternative approach that addresses the ethical, social, and economic complexities introduced by AI, while also supporting continued innovation.  

An AI Healthcare Coalition Suggests a Better Way of Approaching Responsible AI
John Bailey
Understanding the Capabilities of GenAI

It's difficult to understand some technologies because they're better experienced than described. I've found GenAI to be one example where it's difficult to grasp the full range of capabilities unless you see some of it in action. Over the last year, I've given a number of presentations that tried to contextualize GenAI for the audience by demonstrating relevant use cases. I compiled them in this long master deck, which I periodically update and am sharing in the hope that it may spark some ideas for you.

Understanding the Capabilities of GenAI
John Bailey
Faster, Please! Podcast Discussion on AI

I had a great time joining James Pethokoukis on his podcast, Faster, Please! We touched on a number of areas including how AI can help improve teaching and learning.

Faster, Please! Podcast Discussion on AI
John Bailey
Why AI Struggles with Basic Math (and How ...

Large Language Models (LLMs) have ushered in a new era of artificial intelligence (AI) demonstrating remarkable capabilities in language generation, translation, and reasoning. Yet, LLMs often stumble over basic math problems, posing a problem for their use in settings—including education—where math is essential. However, these limitations are being addressed through improvements in the models themselves along with better prompting strategies.  

Why AI Struggles with Basic Math (and How That’s Changing)
John Bailey
2023 Wrap-Up

As we close out 2023, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with both personal achievements and significant developments in the world of AI. It was an honor to learn that several of my written works were recognized and included in various "best of" lists.

2023 Wrap-Up

Broadband Provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Broadband Provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Broadband has become a fundamental enabling technology for nearly every aspect of our lives. It helps support online learning, remote work, telemedicine, and delivery of government services. In the same vein, the lack of access to affordable broadband creates enormous challenges for segments of the population that are unable to access crucial services to help them succeed in work and life. This report summaries the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act programs that will allocate more than $65 billion toward closing the digital divide.

COVID-19 Policy Update

COVID-19 Policy Update

The COVID-19 Policy Update is a daily digest of important stories, research, and resources to help leaders better understand the rapidly unfolding events related the coronavirus. Subscribers include state and federal policymakers, education executives, investors, and entrepreneurs. My hope is that these provide the information you need to better understand the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities surfacing during the pandemic.

America’s public schools and non-profits will play a crucial role in resettling Afghan refugees

America’s public schools and non-profits will play a crucial role in resettling Afghan refugees

The U.S. government bears much of the responsibility for the unfolding refugee crisis. Schools must have the resources and support they need to help Afghan families resettle and adjust to their new homes. These families put their lives on the line to advance American interests in Afghanistan. Let’s honor that sacrifice by helping them rebuild their lives here in the U.S.

Education Recovery Benefits

Education Recovery Benefits

In a new report, I make the case for Governors using a portion of their $350 billion of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to provide direct support to low-income parents who faced economic hardship created by school closures and whose children need additional support for their academic recovery and well-being.

Rethinking Education Finance: The Risks and Opportunities of Emerging Models

Rethinking Education Finance: The Risks and Opportunities of Emerging Models

I authored a paper that lays out many critical issues and opportunities around the role technology plays in education finance. In particular, the paper looks at the labor market, new education and training models, and the use of alternative data in financing decisions.

Vaccinating America’s Children Depends on Parents, Not the FDA

Vaccinating America’s Children Depends on Parents, Not the FDA

The FDA’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds is an important step in the nation’s path toward herd immunity and for providing an additional layer of protection that will make it easier for teenagers to attend summer camp and in-person schooling in the fall. However, the greatest challenge to getting 17 million teens vaccinated may not be FDA approval but instead parental approval. The Kaiser Family Foundation’s Vaccine Monitor found only 3 in 10 parents say they will get their child vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is available. Nearly 25 percent will wait to see how it’s working, 18 percent will vaccinate only if their child’s school requires it, and 23 percent say they will definitely not get their child vaccinated.

Is it Safe to Reopen Schools? An Extensive Review of the Research

Is it Safe to Reopen Schools? An Extensive Review of the Research

A new report, Is it Safe to Reopen Schools? An Extensive Review of the Research, from the COVID Collaborative, United States of Care, the Walton Family Foundation, Opportunity Labs, CRPE's Evidence Project, and AEI summarizes more than 130 studies that show the physical, academic, and emotional toll of school closures will have a significant negative impact on children for decades to come. The report highlights key findings around risks for children, transmissibility concerns, and the impact of school reopenings on community spread — including a new analysis of data related to learning loss, student engagement, and absenteeism with a focus on the disproportionate harm on students of color.

Code for America: A Conversation on Leadership, Technology & Innovation in a Time of Transition

Code for America: A Conversation on Leadership, Technology & Innovation in a Time of Transition

Code for America’s Amanda Renteria and Ryan Ko engaged in a lively conversation with Tech Talent Project’s Cass Madison, Aspen Tech Policy Hub’s Betsey Cooper, and Walton Family Foundation advisor John Bailey. Our panelists shared their insights into the realities of technology hiring and procurement, the unique technical challenges facing President Biden’s administration, and their hopes for how government might better adapt policy implementation for the digital age.

CDC Adds to Growing Body of Research Showing How Schools Can Reopen

CDC Adds to Growing Body of Research Showing How Schools Can Reopen

It is very likely that we’ve overestimated the risk of sending children back into the classroom and underestimated the consequences of keeping them at home. It’s time to adapt our strategies to better reflect on the lessons learned over the last 10 months. It’s time to safely and responsibly give students the option of coming back to school.