Jonny Pratt

[Anand Sanwal @asanwal]

My next startup...sort of

Except it's not a startup

Along with a few others, I'm working on building a 6th to 12th grade School of Entrepreneuring.

And so I wanted to share some of my 'wet clay' thoughts on how we're thinking about this as I know there are a lot of smart people here who can sharpen our thinking, advance the mission, etc

In this first note, I wanted to share a loose curriculum outline which is below

If what you see below resonates, pls share/RT this.

OR if you have any ideas, suggestions or helpful resources, pls reach out via a comment or DM.

▶ But first, a bit about the school

* This would be a physical, in-person school. We are evaluating 'campus' options and strategies now.

* It would be 100% scholarship-driven (for at least the first 1000 students). Our primary goal will be to identify and recruit formidable young people to the school irrespective of their ability to pay.

* The school is NOT focused on college prep, i.e., our hope is many students will build businesses and "go pro" in biz out of school. Of course, they can choose to go to college but our focus is not on AP credits, SAT/ACT scores, contrived leadership experiences and community service to pad college applications, etc.

* Experiential- and project-based learning. The best way to learn to swim is to get thrown into the water, i.e. students will build valuable products/services for real customers and generate revenue. We expect many of their ideas, esp initially, won't be great but they will learn a lot by engaging in productive struggle. This is true for many entrepreneurs. If we can work out their bad to ok ideas fast, we can get to the great ideas quicker.

* This will not launch soon. We are talking about a physical school and we are talking about the education of young people. This is not something you can or should launch as an MVP (minimum viable product). It will be done right. And doing it right will take time.

So now, the curriculum.

I'd welcome feedback/ideas here.

As you'll see below, the curriculum is not subject-based the way schools are traditionally set up but instead is skills-based.

This does not mean that English, history, etc will not be taught. As you'll prob be able to see, they will be integrated into the development of these skills thus avoiding the 'cram. exam. erase.' model so prevalent today where students learn for a test and then forget 5 mins after the exam is over.

Note: I'm happy to elaborate via some examples if helpful.

Entrepreneuring School Skills Curriculum

I. Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Skills

◾️Cognitive Agility: Processing new information to adapt perspectives.
◾️Critical Thinking: Evaluating information systematically.
◾️Decision Making: Choosing among alternatives under uncertainty.
◾️Probability & Statistics: Managing and understanding risk & upside.

II. Leadership and Communication

◾️Persuasion: Influencing others effectively.
◾️Spontaneous vs. Public Speaking: Mastering different speaking contexts.
◾️Storytelling and Writing: Engaging and convincing through narrative.
◾️Digital Literacy: Navigating digital tools and platforms effectively.
◾️Leadership: Identifying opportunities and guiding team strategies.
◾️Motivation: Inspiring team commitment and performance.

III. Problem Solving and Innovation

◾️Problem Solving: Developing solutions to complex challenges.
◾️Improvisation & Adaptability: Adapting creatively to on-the-spot scenarios.
◾️Deductive vs. Inductive Thinking: Approaching problems with different reasoning strategies.
◾️Curiosity: Pursuing continual learning and understanding.

IV. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

◾️Negotiation: Reaching agreements between parties.
◾️Debate: Engaging in structured argumentation to challenge ideas.

V. Personal Development, Resilience and Character

◾️Risk-Taking: Embracing and managing failure and uncertainty.
◾️Resilience: Maintaining effectiveness in the face of discomfort.
◾️Consistency and Dedication: Cultivating habits that lead to success.
◾️Accountability: Showing up and taking responsibility for actions.
◾️Community Improvement: Making decisions that consider impacts on local and broader community.
◾️Physical Toughness: Enhancing personal health and endurance.

Thanks to the many teachers, athletic coaches, parents and entrepreneurs who've provided insights and feedback that has informed the above in addition to a treasure trove of academic research that folks have suggested/shared on how students actually learn best as well as what does not work.

(Note: a lot of what is done in many our schools today is very counter to what actually works)

🏴Some closing thoughts

Ellwood P. Cubberley, the founding dean of Stanford University's School of Education, described the purpose of schools as follows:

“Our schools are, in a sense, factories in which the raw products (children) are to be shaped and fashioned into products to meet the various demands of life”

Schools should NOT exist to train children to be compliant and conforming employees and consumers.

A school should teach students to be explorers, adventurers and leaders.

That is what we're building.

If that interests you, please follow along and spread the word.

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@itsDanny_V Yes

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@bairdk Really appreciate you sharing openly and honestly the figures and your journey. Very helpful (even tho things are different in the uk 😉) much appreciated 👍💪

[Preston Pysh @PrestonPysh]

Natalie guts traditional investment “thinking” in this 85 second clip. Completely devastating.

If you manage other people’s currency for a living, you’re about to have your bell-rung if you don’t understand what she’s talking about.

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@virginmedia I have spent the last hour trying to find a way to book a technician on your website. All options loop. The wifi cable has been cut we need a repair ASAP please help

[The Marsden Group @Marsden_group]

We have an exciting announcement coming this weekend ahead of the biggest partner event of the year. So stay tuned! #MicrosoftInspire #TheMarsdenGroup

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

I failed to beat the Ace on #sunnyside with a time of 0:57.271 playing #madskillsmx2 https://t.co/BAS3lqLSNq

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@longtailpro now account suspended. How am I meant to contact administrator if I can't log in and you have no email address!! stop taking ££

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@longtailpro i have been trying to reset my password to gain access for 2 weeks now, created support tickets. but nothing. paying for 3yr!!!

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@AlbaMalts haha if the price is right 😉

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

Extra bottle of #Lagavulin 18yr festival #whisky how do people recommend I sell it? #whiskyauction ? #whiskylover ?

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@the_whisky_lady just returned from Islay festival with an extra bottle of #Lagavulin200 18yr what do you recommend

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

. @SpeakerJeff just heard you on @RyanMoran amazing insight and a nice change from the normal #startup messages. Much appreciated! #hero

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

Well done @GLA_Airport great kids area and international arrivals @Glengoyne #lochlomand

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

Not a bad place to have a business meeting #deewhy #sydney #business #strategy

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@ScotRail I appreciate this is out of your control. It was frustrating to stand beside 20+ buses while we are told wait 50min for a train!

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

This is my, should have been at my client meeting 2hr ago @ScotRail 3hr delay shocking! Glasgow - Dyce

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@garyvee bet you loved today! All I was thinking today was "I wonder what Gary Vee would do now" can't wait till you take over @nyjets #soon

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

|LIVE NOW| #meerkat http://t.co/ChXqZsvwk1

[Jonny Pratt @jonnypratt]

@_jacksmith no problem man! P.s was great to see the U.K represented well in the startup scene in the U.S.