The US Deputy Chief of Mission, Baker, met with a group of Pakistani students to discuss their ambitions to attend top universities in the United States. She highlighted the significance of resources such as the Open Doors Report and EducationUSA, which provide information on international students in the US and offer scholarship opportunities. The report is described as a "one-stop shop" for comprehensive statistics and information about studying in the US. Baker encouraged the students to explore these resources and wished them luck in their academic endeavors, noting the growing connection between Pakistan and the US in education.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1257537-record-pakistanis-going-to-us-for-studies-bakerThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is awaiting the release of new textbooks from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which align with the updated National Curriculum Framework. This move is in line with the National Education Policy, 2020, that aims to reduce pressure on students by offering subjects at two levels: standard and higher. According to CBSE data, a significant number of students opted for the standard level of Mathematics in the 2023-24 exam, with 15,88,041 registering for it compared to 6,79,560 for the basic level.
https://www.ndtv.com/education/cbse-plans-to-introduce-two-levels-of-science-and-social-science-7162000#pfrom=home-ndtv_mainnavigationVictoria's NAPLAN high achievers for 2024 have been revealed, with Pascoe Vale Primary School in Melbourne's north-west among the standout performers. The school has a literacy program that is so strong that other schools are seeking to learn from its success. Principal Anne Naughton said the school focuses on maintaining a high level of reading data and continuously looks for opportunities to improve pupils' results. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority's list of 2024 high performers in Victoria includes 15 government schools and five independent schools. Pascoe Vale Primary School principal Anne Naughton with students Oliver Josef, Leo Tippett, Joshua Hogan, Isabella Gellatly, Zara Atyah, Violet Gleeson and Mahith Fernando. Credit: Jason South The school's success is attributed to its phonics approach to teaching reading, which has been in place for years. The school also has a staff mentoring program that helps teachers continue learning on the job. Another school that made this year's list of "schools making a difference" is the Knox School in Wantirna South. The school has a personalized learning approach that involves flexible learning sessions, allowing students to decide what they work on for several periods each week. Principal Nikki Kirkup said the school focuses on great academic results while also developing skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. The Knox School principal Nikki Kirkup with students. Credit: Eddie Jim The school's approach involves inquiry-based learning in the junior school and project-based learning in the senior school, underpinned by the foundations of literacy and numeracy. Students experience real-world learning through "Knox-peditions", in which they identify a problem in the community and an individual who could benefit from a solution. The NAPLAN results for 2024 were published on the My School website on Wednesday, along with information on each school's profile, population and attendance levels.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-s-naplan-high-achievers-for-2024-revealed-20241127-p5ktv2.htmlSingapore's Education Minister Chan Chun Sing has announced changes to the Gifted Education Programme, including the introduction of full subject-based banding and the elimination of mid-year exams in primary and secondary schools. These changes aim to shift the focus from rote memorisation to a deeper understanding of subjects and reduce stress among students. However, parents must also adapt their mindset to redefine success beyond high scores, focusing on cultivating skills for lifelong learning and adaptability in their children. Minister Chan notes that the pressure placed on high achievers can be damaging if internalised as a burden tied to self-esteem, and encourages conversations around the well-being of high-performing students.
https://channelnewsasia.com/commentary/psle-score-top-student-pressure-imposter-syndrome-mental-health-school-4777881A new report, "Vision 2030", released by organizations representing local school boards and education officials in Illinois, argues that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the public education landscape. The report makes recommendations to improve college and career readiness, student safety and well-being, and educator diversity, but also calls for a re-examination of the current system of outcomes-based accountability for schools. This system, which grades schools based on standardized test scores, is seen as failing to accurately reflect student performance or identify areas for improvement. The report's authors, including Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, advocate for an approach that takes into account a broader range of factors beyond just test scores.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20241201/news/the-next-school-reform-push-in-illinois-testing-and-accountability/Researchers at the University of Montreal conducted a study where school children spent two hours in a park each week, engaging in regular classes and activities designed to promote mental health, such as drawing trees and writing haikus. The intervention was found to be low-cost and well-received by teachers and students, with no reported risks. The researchers plan to build on this success by co-designing an intervention for teenagers focused on improving their well-being, reducing climate anxiety, and increasing their connection to nature.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/study-finds-time-outdoors-helps-children-with-mental-health-issues/article_34079515-52b7-5f0f-b4f8-e06653beb461.htmlIn education news, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that FutureReadyNYC, a program providing career tracks in education, technology, business, and healthcare, will expand to 36 new schools. This comes as the city's Education Department reverses pandemic-era budget cuts, ensuring no midyear reductions for about half of its public schools. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Black educators are concerned about the impact of a state settlement that restricts "culturally relevant teaching" on the state's teaching workforce. Additionally, the Newark Board of Education agreed to repay over $30,000 in state aid after a state investigation found that staff fun day costs violated rules on using taxpayer money.
https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/12/02/nyc-expands-futurereadynyc-career-education-program-amid-economic-concerns/In Australia, public schools and families are working together to set students with disabilities up for success. For example, a school in New South Wales has partnered with parents to create an individual learning plan for a student with autism, which includes regular meetings between teachers and parents to discuss the student's progress. Additionally, a family in Queensland is using technology to help their child with cerebral palsy learn to communicate more effectively, by using a tablet to access a communication app that allows them to type messages to their family members.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-01/school-transition-programs-children-with-disability/104669448Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need for education reforms in Pakistan's public sector schools to prepare students for future challenges. He directed that teachers be equipped with essential skills and globally accredited training programs to align with 21st century teaching standards. The minister noted that 1.8 million teachers require preparation, while an additional one million new teachers are needed to meet growing demographic demands. To address these needs, the National Institute of Excellence in Teacher Education (NIETE) is leading a teacher training initiative in collaboration with the LUMS School of Education.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40335162/minister-underscores-urgent-need-for-education-reforms