A Melbourne archdiocese school, Bethany Catholic Primary School in Werribee North, has seen significant improvements in numeracy and reading proficiency after adopting phonics and explicit instruction programs in 2023. The school's principal, Joanne Webster, attributes the gains to the method providing targeted support for students who were struggling, reducing gaps between those who needed extra help and their peers. This approach also led to increased student engagement and retention of knowledge during summer breaks, with fewer instances of "summer slide." Experts, including Trisha Jha from the Centre for Independent Studies, praise explicit teaching's consistency and effectiveness in providing high-quality education, regardless of a student's background or skill level.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/catholic-schools-reap-the-benefits-of-back-to-basics-overhaul-20250204-p5l9d6.htmlCatholic International University is launching a Master of Science program in Prudential Design of Emerging Technologies, which aims to train professionals to design AI products with a morally-reasoned and scientifically-grounded approach. The program will prepare students to consider the full effects of their designs, beyond just seeking efficiency or novelty, by taking into account human capabilities, ethics, and Christian anthropology. Registration for the program opens on March 1, 2025, with classes starting in August.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/catholic-international-university-is-shaping-the-future-of-ai-and-emerging-technologies-302370649.htmlThe York Catholic District School Board has voted to discontinue its Itinerant Literacy Intervention Teachers (ILIT) program, which was launched in response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read inquiry. The program, which provides targeted literacy support to students in grades 4-7, will be replaced by an online program called Lexia at a cost savings of $1.89 million. Literacy teacher Noelle Mikkelsen expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision, citing the program's success in helping struggling readers make significant gains in reading and spelling skills. The cancellation has raised concerns about the board's commitment to equity and inclusion, as well as its strategy for supporting students who require additional support.
https://thestar.com/news/gta/struggling-students-jumped-two-grades-in-reading-with-this-york-catholic-program-so-why-was/article_0b026dfc-df53-11ef-aa7c-e36d9e753222.htmlPope Francis has expressed concerns that excessive social media use can lead to "brain rot", a phenomenon where individuals become desensitized and lose critical thinking skills. He emphasized the importance of media literacy and encouraged traditional and social media outlets to focus on sharing stories of hope rather than divisiveness. The Pope, who has been the leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church since 2013, has previously spoken about the potential pitfalls of excessive technology use, including its impact on human relationships. He noted that individuals have the power to make choices that can either promote or hinder their mental well-being, citing the example of avoiding excessive social media scrolling as a way to prevent "brain rot".
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14331065/pope-francis-social-media-warning.html