Research NewsFeed

January 27, 2025

Boost Reading Ups Student Reading Scores by 18%

Amplify, a publisher of educational programs, released the results of a study on its Boost Reading program, an adaptive learning tool designed to complement its Core Knowledge and Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum. The study found that students who used Boost Reading for at least 30 minutes a week were 18% more likely to exceed national reading growth benchmarks compared to those who did not use the program. The study included over 90,000 students who used Boost Reading and a comparison group of over 90,000 students who did not use it. The results suggest that combining Boost Reading with Amplify's CKLA curriculum can accelerate student growth in reading skills.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-when-combined-with-amplify-ckla-boost-reading-significantly-improves-student-progress-302361108.html

January 27, 2025

DSWD Supports Displaced Kids' Education Amid Crisis

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is providing support to children who have been displaced by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, ensuring they can continue their education despite the crisis. DSWD assistant secretary Irene Dumlao noted that field office camp coordinators are making time for the children's studies amidst their busy schedules.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/28/regions/dswd-supports-education-of-children-evacuees/2045032

January 27, 2025

NSTA Updates Climate Change Education Statement

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has revised its position statement on teaching climate change to students. The updated statement emphasizes the importance of providing students with a deep understanding of climate science and critical thinking skills to address environmental issues. A committee of educators, scientists, and experts recentered the statement to focus on student-driven solutions to climate change, including engineering and workforce development. The revised statement was adopted by the NSTA Board of Directors in December and is available online along with other climate science resources. Key figures involved in the revision include Erika Shugart, Ph.D., CEO of NSTA, and Eric Pyle, Ph.D., Professor at James Madison University and Chair of the position statement revision team.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250127682402/en/NSTA-Releases-Revised-Position-Statement-on-Climate-Change-Education

January 27, 2025

Teachers Inflate Grades in Rural Education Scandal

In some rural areas, policymakers' efforts to improve education have been undermined by corrupt practices among teachers who are instructed by administrators and government officials to inflate students' grades, often by manipulating exam results, in order to create the appearance of academic progress. This has led to a lack of genuine improvement in student learning outcomes despite well-intentioned policies.

https://www.tbsnews.net/thoughts/modernising-education-policy-technology-and-market-reform-1054201

January 27, 2025

Utah Educators Unite for Inclusive Classrooms

Utah's unique demographic makeup presents both challenges and opportunities for promoting diversity and inclusivity in its educational institutions. To address these complexities, educators, policymakers, and the community must work together to create an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. This requires a unified effort to ensure that every student in Utah has access to education regardless of their heritage or individuality.

https://en.mercopress.com/2025/01/27/diversity-and-inclusion-in-american-schools-what-are-the-challenges#comments

January 26, 2025

City School Summit Brings Together Education Experts

The City School Southern Region organized an Early Years Summit, "Winds of Change: Charting New Courses", which brought together educators and experts such as Dr. Shelina Bhamani, Dr. Salman Kirmani, Ms. Zara Zafar, Ms. Sarwat Gilani, and Ms. Aamina Sheikh to discuss best practices in early childhood education. The event aimed to foster innovation and collaboration among practitioners and parents, equipping them with tools and strategies for impactful learning experiences.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1276210-speakers-at-city-school-summit-highlight-importance-of-effective-early-learning

January 26, 2025

India's Schools Struggle with Basic Amenities

India's schools are struggling to provide a future-ready education system due to inadequate infrastructure, with only 57% of schools having computer facilities and just 8.1% equipped with functional integrated teaching-learning devices. The digital divide is exacerbating inequalities, leaving students unprepared for the demands of a technology-driven world. To address this, investments are needed in foundational amenities such as electricity, water, and sanitation, as well as advanced resources like computer labs, science labs, and smart classrooms. Additionally, schools must focus on equipping students with critical thinking, analytical skills, communication abilities, and adaptability to navigate the challenges of a fast-changing global landscape.

https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/indian-schools-are-far-from-future-ready-7562023

January 25, 2025

Early Education Gap Threatens Future Job Prospects

Children who miss out on early education face lifelong consequences, including limited job opportunities and increased vulnerability to poverty and social exclusion. This can hinder their cognitive, social, and emotional development, ultimately limiting their ability to acquire skills for personal growth and future employment. At the societal level, a lack of education perpetuates cycles of poverty, reduces economic productivity, and weakens social cohesion.

https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/africa/9-million-ethiopian-children-have-been-forced-out-of-school-4901480

Melbourne High Tops McKinnon with Median VCE Score

Melbourne High School achieved a median VCE study score of 36 in 2024, compared to McKinnon Secondary College's 33. Research by Victoria University education policy expert Melissa Tham found that attending a selective school does not lead to significant long-term benefits, with students from selective schools reporting only slightly higher life satisfaction but no better education or employment outcomes than those who attended non-selective schools. Selective schools in Melbourne include the John Monash Science School and the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, while mainstream government schools offer high-ability programs that have been criticized for giving students a warped sense of their academic ability.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/how-melbourne-s-selective-schools-stack-up-academically-20250123-p5l6t6.html