Democracy and education have a complex relationship that varies across regions. As technology and globalization reshape economies, the role of education in fostering innovation, equity, and political engagement remains crucial. According to experts like Mark Faber, former head of Citigroup's emerging markets investments, education is essential for promoting democratic values and civic engagement.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1288134-education-and-developmentA Rockland school is giving second chances to kids with special education needs as it celebrates its 50th anniversary of implementing inclusive practices, following a landmark decision by Kerry Kavanaugh, a Boston 25 News reporter.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/second-chance-kids-with-special-education-needs-found-rockland-school/NYEXEPQ7DRA5JBVOBX57E2ZYY4/Illinois State Superintendent Tony Sanders has received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education warning that federal funding for schools could be at risk if they fail to comply with federal discrimination laws, which include diversity and inclusion programs. The letter claims these programs stigmatize students based on their racial background, but Sanders says it has no legal force and encourages districts to continue teaching as usual. He notes that 10% of Illinois school funding could be lost, affecting roughly $497 million in general fund spending. Sanders emphasizes the importance of equity initiatives, citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showing significant achievement gaps among different student groups.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20250301/news/the-illinois-state-board-of-education-is-not-telling-schools-to-stop-any-diversity-equity-and-inclu/Secretary Sonny Angara and DepEd officials visited four schools in Benguet, including Jose Gonzales Elementary School, Yabyabuan Multigrade School, Kiwas Integrated School, and Andolor Elementary School, as part of the Marcos administration's effort to improve education in remote communities.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/01/regions/angara-visits-last-mile-schools-in-cordillera/2065015A survey commissioned by Yondr found that 48% of teachers believe one in four classes are affected by phone use, with parents and teachers supporting a ban on devices in classrooms. The majority of parents (80%) and teachers (70%) agree that banning phones would reduce distractions and improve focus. This comes as Shadow schools minister Neil O'Brien warned about the impact of mobile phones on mental health, citing an "explosion" in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cases. Research by the OECD suggests that teenagers using devices in class perform lower in mathematics tests.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14445413/Parents-calling-phone-bans-schools-improve-youngsters-classroom-behaviour.htmlThe National Education Association (NWEA) has released a research report and guide to help teachers integrate literacy and science instruction, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and professional learning. The report highlights the benefits of combining these subjects, including improved student engagement and understanding of real-world phenomena. NWEA researchers have provided examples of effective instructional approaches in elementary classrooms that blend literacy and science, such as using academic vocabulary and structured plans to foster coordination between subjects.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-nwea-research-report-highlights-how-integrating-literacy-and-science-instruction-accelerates-elementary-student-learning-302385175.htmlThe US federal government's decision to dictate what Reading Education Laboratories (RELs) can do contradicts its goal of allowing states to lead in education. Terminated research efforts, such as that by the American Institutes for Research, raise questions about efficiency. The AIR was nearly complete with a study on the Comprehensive Literacy State Development program, which aimed to improve literacy instruction through new curriculum and teacher training. The study involved 114 elementary schools across 11 states, over 23,000 students, and nearly 900 reading teachers. Researchers had presented their findings just three days before the study was terminated, with Mike Garet describing it as an "exciting meeting".
https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/02/26/trump-doge-cuts-to-education-research-hit-classrooms-and-students/The Consul General of Turkey, Cemal Sangu, emphasized the importance of education in driving national progress at a recent convocation ceremony. The event honored several individuals for their contributions to socioeconomic development, education, and community service, including Kashif Chawla, Danish Azam, and Jahanzeb Khan, who received honorary doctorate degrees from the university. The institution is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on providing quality education, decent work, industry innovation, and sustainable cities.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1285903-450-graduates-receive-degrees-at-ilma-university-convocationA new school year has begun in Gaza, with students attending classes at renovated schools or through alternative educational points due to widespread destruction caused by Israel's 16-month "war of extermination". The Ministry of Education and Higher Education is committed to providing education despite the severe shortage of resources. Palestinian figures report that 85% of schools are inoperable, resulting in over 12,800 student deaths and 1,166 educational establishments destroyed since October 2023.
https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/new-school-year-begins-in-war-torn-gaza-after-almost-2-year-hiatus-18268013