Government NewsFeed

December 31, 2024

Missouri Lawmakers Target Charter School Autonomy

Missouri lawmakers are pushing to change the way charter schools operate in the state, with some seeking to give local school districts more control over charters. Rep. Doug Clemens has filed legislation that would require local school districts to sponsor charter schools, removing the need for the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. This move is seen as a way to increase local oversight and allow residents to have more input on how their tax dollars are spent on education.

https://stltoday.com/news/local/education/republican-lawmakers-seek-further-expansion-of-missouri-charter-schools/article_30418338-c77e-11ef-8456-2791947a8ee2.html

December 29, 2024

Labour Ends Tax Breaks for UK Private Schools

The UK's centre-left Labour government has announced plans to end tax exemptions for private schools, effective January 1, as part of efforts to address educational inequalities. The move is expected to raise over £1.5 billion (RM8.4 billion) annually, which will be used to fund thousands of new teachers and improve standards in state schools. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves stated that the funding will benefit the 94% of children educated in state schools, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson noted that high educational standards should not be limited to families who can afford them. The policy is expected to increase tuition fees for private schools by around 10%, with some schools absorbing part of the additional cost.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/12/29/uk-ends-private-schools-tax-break-earmarks-15b-for-state-education/161484

NEET UG Paper Leak Sparks Nationwide Outrage

The year 2024 was marked by widespread controversy and turmoil in the education landscape of India, particularly with regards to entrance exams. The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate exam was marred by a paper leak, which led to an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Several state-level exams were also affected by similar controversies, including the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission's review officer exam and the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test. In response, several states introduced measures to prevent future leaks, such as stringent laws with jail terms and fines for those involved. The repeated cancellations and delays of exams sparked widespread protests across the country, with students demanding accountability and justice. The NEET UG 2024 retest saw a significant drop in the number of toppers, further fueling outrage. The government responded by introducing secure online portals for question paper delivery and limiting the role of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conducting entrance exams from 2025. In another controversy, the Bihar Public Service Commission's 70th Combined Competitive Examination was marred by allegations of irregularities, including delayed question papers and mismanagement. The situation escalated when a district magistrate slapped a protesting candidate, leading to further delays and security breaches.

https://www.ndtv.com/education/year-ender-2024-exam-paper-leaks-cancellations-and-student-protests-7351229#pfrom=home-ndtv_mainnavigation

December 28, 2024

TeamLease CEO Sees Electronics Sector Growth Continues

The electronics sector in India has experienced significant growth due to initiatives such as 'Make in India', the 'National Electronics Policy', and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. According to AR Ramesh, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, this growth is expected to continue with the implementation of Work-Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) and degree apprenticeships. Employers can further support this growth by establishing in-house training centers and collaborating with academia through these programs.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/electronics-sector-in-india-projected-to-create-12-million-jobs-by-2027-1/

December 24, 2024

Newington College Student Sues Over Co-Ed Plans

A current student at Newington College, a private school in Sydney's inner west, has launched legal action against the school's governing council over its decision to admit girls from 2026. The student claims that the council breached the terms of the school's charitable trust by considering and planning to implement the move to co-education. A statement of claim filed in the NSW Supreme Court alleges that members of the council had contravened their duties under the original deed of indenture, which is limited to the education and advancement of boys and young men. The student, who cannot be identified due to a non-disclosure order, claims that he faces being bullied and shunned if his identity becomes known. The school has faced a fierce backlash since unveiling its plan to admit girls in November 2023, with some parents and graduates protesting against the move.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-boy-who-is-suing-his-private-school-20241224-p5l0jt.html

December 23, 2024

Modi Touts Job Boom in Rural India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that his government's policies have created new opportunities for employment and self-employment in rural India, with over 10 lakh permanent government jobs offered in the last one and a half years. He emphasized the importance of empowering youth to drive the country's development, citing initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, Stand-Up India, and Digital India that have placed youth at the forefront. Modi noted that Indian youth are now excelling in various sectors, including entrepreneurship and sports, with a robust support system in place to nurture their talent. He also highlighted the government's efforts to address language barriers for rural youth by allowing learning and exams in mother tongue and providing recruitment exams in 13 languages.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/government-policies-driving-force-for-new-opportunities-says-modi-1849160

December 23, 2024

Teachers Navigate Election Talk in NYC Classrooms

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) employees are prohibited from advocating for specific presidential candidates or parties, including wearing items with campaign slogans. However, teachers are required by New York State law and the Civic Readiness Initiative to address political issues in the classroom. A city regulation permits school personnel to discuss election issues as part of legitimate instructional programs, aligning with NYCPS's "civics for all" resources.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/12/23/nyc-politically-neutral-classrooms-trump-administration/

BPSC Exams Embroiled in Education Mafia Scandal

The controversy surrounding the BPSC exams has sparked a debate about education mafias and fairness in public recruitment processes. The movement, which began with candidates organizing via a Telegram group, has been politicized after leaders and teachers joined. Protestors are demanding transparency and probity in competitive exams, citing exam irregularities as their main concern.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/tejashwi-joins-protestors-over-bpsc-exams-student-leader-indignant-over-bid-to-politicise-stir/

December 22, 2024

China Cracks Down on Corrupt School Principals

In a crackdown on corruption in the education sector, authorities in China have taken action against school leaders who engaged in illicit activities. A total of 237 school principals in 121 counties have been penalized for their involvement with illegal food suppliers. As a result, contracts with 147 unauthorized vendors have been terminated and funds amounting to 420 million yuan have been recovered.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325539.shtml