The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has dominated tech conversations recently, with new AI tools capturing widespread attention. However, for Carnegie Learning, a Pittsburgh-based K-12 education services provider, AI is not a recent trend but a foundational element that has been integral to their approach for decades. In fact, AI has been the backbone of their educational services, allowing them to deeply understand student learning and empower educators to achieve enhanced outcomes.
“We were founded on artificial intelligence,” states Barry Malkin, CEO of Carnegie Learning. “It really is part of the DNA of this organization. We are genuinely excited about the advancements in AI, as we believe they enable us to offer something uniquely differentiated and to continuously invest in improving student results across the nation.”
Originating from Carnegie Mellon University, a leading research institution, Carnegie Learning places research, data, and learning science at the core of its operations. Their product development is driven by cognitive science and rigorous research, ensuring decisions are based on educational efficacy rather than solely on business considerations. This commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous improvement has enabled Carnegie Learning to thrive and assist school districts nationwide in implementing personalized, student-centered learning approaches.
Despite remarkable growth, including a fivefold increase in employee numbers and an eightfold revenue growth since 2016, Carnegie Learning remains firmly rooted in the research principles that established it as a pioneering force in education from the beginning.
“This company is truly mission-driven,” Malkin emphasizes. “We are a commercial enterprise, focused on business growth and financial success. However, we achieve this without compromising the quality of our products and the positive outcomes we strive to deliver.”
Rooted in Research: The Genesis of AI in Carnegie Learning
Carnegie Learning’s story began in the 1980s at Carnegie Mellon University, founded by four researchers in cognitive science, computer science, and education: Dr. Steven Ritter, William S. Hadley, John R. Anderson, and Kenneth Koedinger. Initially a research project, it spun off as an independent entity in 1998, concentrating on developing intelligent tutoring systems for mathematics education for grades 6-12.
“They pioneered what was essentially the first artificial intelligence adaptive learning product for mathematics,” Malkin explains. “Carnegie Learning’s journey is a true success story for Carnegie Mellon University and their technology transfer initiatives. We stand as a compelling example of how research can translate into commercial success and viability.”
It was Barry Malkin’s vision that propelled Carnegie Learning towards realizing its full potential. In 2011, while serving as head of global mergers and acquisitions at Apollo Education Group, Malkin championed the acquisition of Carnegie Learning for $75 million. He recognized the transformative potential of their AI-driven approach.
“I foresaw the significant benefits for students taking math courses at the University of Phoenix,” Malkin recalls. “Our acquisition of Carnegie Learning was driven by the desire to significantly enhance mathematics outcomes through cutting-edge technology.”
In late 2015, Apollo divested Carnegie Learning to private investors, led by Malkin himself, who transitioned from Apollo to become Carnegie Learning’s CEO. This move underscored his profound belief in the company’s mission and potential.
“I recognized Carnegie Learning as a hidden gem,” he says. “I was impressed by the exceptional team, their unwavering passion, and the robust products and technology. It felt like a venture worth pursuing.”
Since then, Carnegie Learning has experienced exponential growth, expanding its educational offerings by continually leveraging the evolving capabilities of AI.
The Learning Process: How AI Personalizes Education
Upon assuming the role of CEO, Malkin prioritized modernizing the user interface and front-end platform of Carnegie Learning’s products, recognizing the need to refresh their digital presence.
However, his broader vision extended to expanding the application of their AI technology beyond mathematics to encompass various educational domains.
“Our product is backed by compelling research,” he states. “The culture of continuous improvement embedded within the company ensures that the product evolves and improves annually. This inherent strength is what I recognized and aimed to capitalize on, building upon the excellent foundation laid prior to my arrival.”
Initially focused on mathematics for grades 6-12, Carnegie Learning broadened its scope to include literacy and languages, becoming a leading provider of world language curricula in the US. Illustrating the impact of these expanded offerings, Buchanan County (VA) School District’s grades K-5 witnessed a remarkable 380 percent increase in proficient or advanced readers and a 49 percent reduction in struggling readers within months of implementing Carnegie Learning’s Fast ForWord reading and language program in early 2023. Students achieved an average reading gain of nine months in just 67 days.
Recent product innovations from Carnegie Learning include ClearMath Elementary, their inaugural math program tailored for grades K-5, and MATHstream, a video-based math platform for grades 6-12 utilizing social media influencers as instructors. MATHstream was recognized as the Adaptive Learning Solution of the Year at the 2023 EdTech Breakthrough Awards.
What distinguishes Carnegie Learning from traditional educational approaches?
“Our products are designed to foster classroom collaboration,” Malkin explains. “Our classrooms are characterized by vibrancy, engagement, and heightened student interest. Teachers transition from lecturing at the front to actively engaging in collaborative dialogues with students.”
Recognizing that each student learns at a unique pace, Carnegie Learning empowers educators with AI-driven assessment tools that facilitate personalized differentiation among students.
“Ultimately, artificial intelligence represents the ultimate tool for personalized instruction,” Malkin asserts. “However, a basic chatbot is insufficient for students to achieve mastery of mathematical concepts. Educators require tools to effectively manage the classroom environment.
“While there is no single solution in education, artificial intelligence empowers us to personalize learning for each student in a meaningful way.”
This commitment to personalization extends to Carnegie Learning’s internal operations and employee management.
Wisdom of the Crowd: Fostering Innovation and Growth
Under Malkin’s leadership, Carnegie Learning has significantly expanded its educational portfolio and market reach. Their solutions are now utilized in schools across all 50 US states and Canada. In late 2022, Carnegie Learning established its Canadian headquarters in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
This substantial growth has driven a workforce expansion from approximately 100 employees to over 550 since 2016. Additionally, Carnegie Learning engages more than 500 part-time tutors nationwide.
Despite rapid growth, Carnegie Learning has maintained its core culture and values.
“We are honored to have been recognized as a Top Workplace [by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] for seven consecutive years,” Malkin notes. “We genuinely empower individuals throughout the organization to contribute their voice.”
He emphasizes the importance of a flat organizational structure, contrasting it with traditional hierarchical models that he views as hindering growth and employee empowerment. Carnegie Learning hosts regular “Make Us Better” Zoom sessions, providing a platform for any employee to propose solutions to company challenges.
“Even our review process is innovative,” Malkin says. “Our ‘Make Us Better’ review process goes beyond traditional employee feedback. It provides employees with an opportunity to offer feedback on the company’s performance as an organization. We also conduct a quarterly happiness survey to gauge our progress in meeting employee needs.”
Ninety days after a new employee joins Carnegie Learning, they are interviewed to gather feedback on how well the company is meeting their expectations.
“We have implemented numerous unique and creative initiatives to ensure every voice is heard regularly,” Malkin concludes. “I maintain open accessibility to everyone, at any time. Employees can easily schedule a call or Zoom meeting, and I am always eager to engage in conversations with individuals throughout the organization.”
These forward-thinking approaches to internal communication and evaluation are fitting for a company built upon research and dedicated to meeting the individual needs of students.
“Everyone possesses unique needs and aspirations,” Malkin states. “Tapping into and understanding these individual aspects is what drives our collective improvement.”
Imagine of Barry Malkin, CEO of Carnegie Learning, discussing AI in education. The image should convey expertise and innovation in the field of educational technology.
