Government NewsFeed

December 6, 2024

NYC Offers Vouchers for Waived Special Ed Complaints

The New York City Education Department has begun sending letters to approximately 3,000 families who missed a deadline for special education services, offering them vouchers to cover the cost of providers in exchange for waiving their right to file a legal complaint against the department. The move is part of an effort to rein in alleged fraud and ballooning costs, but it has drawn criticism from lawmakers such as Brooklyn City Council member Rita Joseph, who called the proposal "outrageous".

https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/12/05/education-department-offers-special-education-services-private-school-waiver/

December 5, 2024

Kensington School Gets Bulletproof Fencing Upgrade

The Philadelphia School District has allocated funds from an opioid settlement to improve safety at schools in the Kensington area. The principal of Gloria Casarez Elementary, Awilda Balbuena, prioritized increasing safety with a new playground and fencing made from bullet-resistant material to deter trespassing and encampments. This is part of individual spending plans devised by each school after gathering input from parents, students, and educators.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia/2024/12/05/schools-use-opioid-settlement-money-to-create-safe-spaces-for-students/

Delhi Schools Reopen Amid Air Quality Concerns

The public health crisis in Delhi has led to prolonged school closures, with nearly two million students missing out on education for over two weeks due to hazardous air quality. The city's government allowed schools to reopen last week, and many have since resumed in-person classes. Students like 13-year-old Aniksha are relieved to be back in class, citing the benefits of interacting with teachers and peers as a key part of their learning experience.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40335764/relief-as-delhi-schools-reopen-but-smog-crisis-persists

Delhi's Toxic Air Closes Schools for Millions

The public health crisis in Delhi has led to weeks-long school closures, affecting nearly two million students, as the city's air quality remains hazardous due to smog. The crisis is particularly challenging for low-income families who rely on their children's income from helping with household chores or working outside. Language teacher Vandana Pandey notes that online learning is ineffective for many students who lack smartphones or struggle with network connectivity. The school closures, aimed at protecting vulnerable children from the toxic air, have failed to make a noticeable improvement in air quality, and experts attribute 1.67 million premature deaths in India to air pollution in 2019.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40335689/relief-as-delhi-schools-reopen-but-smog-crisis-persists

December 3, 2024

Half of Schools Shut Down by Local Directives

The Ministry of Education and Culture is closely monitoring the situation in schools across the country. As of now, data from the department indicates that nearly half of all schools will not operate on January 3 due to local municipality directives.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/bulgaria/932306-official-from-the-ministry-of-education-and-culture-january-3-will-be-closed-for-all-schools-in-the-country

Government Urges Regions to Hire Industry Experts

The government has issued a call to action urging regions with adequate resources to expand their teaching staff by hiring experts from both academic and industrial sectors as part-time instructors. This move aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, particularly in remote regions where schools often lack sufficient support.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1324230.shtml

Montana's Tech Sector Seeks Diverse Talent Pool

The number of Montanans enrolled in apprenticeship programs has increased by 25% over the past five years, with over 3,100 individuals actively participating as of September. The program, which combines on-the-job training with formal instruction, has seen growth in areas such as health education, industrial engineering, and healthcare. Four out of every five apprenticeships are located in the state's most populous counties, including Missoula, Flathead, and Gallatin. Apprenticeship graduates earn an average annual salary of $69,000 one year after graduating, higher than the statewide average wage. The program has been praised by Commissioner Sarah Swanson and Governor Greg Gianforte for its success in addressing workforce challenges and providing opportunities for Montanans to thrive in various industries.

https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-news/montana-apprenticeship-program-sets-new-enrollee-record

December 2, 2024

Xi Jinping's Education Reforms Boost Innovation

Chinese President Xi Jinping is implementing reforms to modernize the country's education system in order to foster a strong foundation for scientific knowledge creation and innovation. This approach has contributed to China's growth by prioritizing people-centric policies, addressing issues with wisdom and reform rather than relying on rhetoric or blame games.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1257174-governance-lessons-from-china

Trivandi Academy Launches Certified Event Training

Trivandi's newly launched Trivandi Academy aims to address a significant gap in certified training programmes for event management professionals in the GCC region. The academy offers a structured pathway for individuals to gain specialized knowledge and hands-on experience through its Major Events 101 course, which is certified by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The course provides a comprehensive foundation to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application to execute world-class events. Trivandi's goal is to contribute to the creation of an industry-recognized professional development framework that allows event professionals to progress their careers and evidence different levels of relevant skills. The company has also acquired The Bulb, a global sustainability consultancy leader, to establish a dedicated sustainability advisory and embed environmental and social impact throughout every project delivery phase. This acquisition aims to raise the bar for sustainability standards across events, venues, and destinations in the GCC region. By prioritizing innovation in event execution and integrating sustainability into their work, Trivandi empowers event professionals to excel in their roles while creating a positive impact on people and the planet. The demand for large-scale events is growing, particularly in regions like the GCC, and building a skilled workforce is essential to meet this demand. Through targeted professional development initiatives, such as academy programmes and tailored training, Trivandi aims to create a unique and lasting impact on the international stage while contributing to societal development.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/event-management-market-in-the-gcc-to-reach-120-73-billion