Research NewsFeed

January 8, 2025

Harassment Haunts Halls of Learning Everywhere

Educational institutions worldwide are struggling with a growing problem of bullying among students, where they face verbal taunting, physical aggression, and social exclusion in what is intended to be a supportive learning environment. This issue affects many students globally, despite the purpose of schools being to promote development and learning.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/09/campus-press/confronting-the-hidden-crisis-of-bullying-in-schools/2033549

Michigan's Teacher Shortage Reverses with 56% Growth

In Michigan, the number of teachers leaving their jobs during the pandemic led to a decline in teacher enrollment in preparation programs. However, this trend was reversed with a 56% increase in enrollment from 2016-17 to 2021-22, according to the Michigan Department of Education. Ryan Gildersleeve, dean of Eastern Michigan University's College of Education, attributes this growth to the "Grow Your Own" program, which taps into existing classroom expertise and provides a free pathway for individuals to become certified teachers. To further address teacher shortages, Gildersleeve suggests that the state should make college more affordable for future teachers and provide support for local schools to pay them. He also emphasizes the need for collaboration between state officials, higher education institutions, and K-12 schools to develop effective solutions.

https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/01/some-michigan-school-districts-say-a-prayer-to-fill-teacher-openings.html

MoE Reports 37 Lakh Student Enrolment Decline

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has reported a decline in student enrolment between 2022-23 and 2023-24 by 37 lakh. The new data collection system, UDISE+, suggests that previous enrolment figures were overestimated by 5-6%. Prof. Mehta notes that the MoE must provide reasons for the decline of schools, which dropped from 15,58,903 in 2017-18 to 14,71,891 in 2023-24, a decline of 87,012 schools. The most affected states are Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-is-there-a-drop-in-school-enrolments-explained/article69073799.ece

January 8, 2025

West Pokot Students Absent from Exams Amid Concerns

The education system in West Pokot is facing challenges as students are not turning up for exams, with some parents expressing concerns about the situation. A parent noted that despite the difficulties, they believe more students will start attending classes as the week progresses. The area has also been affected by recent incidents of examination malpractice and student deaths by suicide.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/rift-valley/2025-01-08-low-turnout-of-students-in-west-pokot-as-schools-reopen

January 6, 2025

Dubai Schools See Strong Start to Term 2/3

As thousands of students returned to school in Dubai for Term 2 and Term 3, traffic congestion increased around school zones during peak hours. Principals reported a strong start to the new term, with nearly full attendance at many schools. Ian Plant, Principal/CEO of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South, noted that student attendance was good after the winter break, and he welcomed new families to the school. To address traffic congestion, authorities implemented enhanced road safety measures, prioritizing respectful behavior during drop-off and pick-up times.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/education/uae-schools-report-nearly-100-attendance-rates-as-students-return-after-winter-break

Pir Jillani Pushes for Improved Law Education

Pir Syed Muhammad Bachal Shah Jillani, Chairman of the Board of Governors for Law Colleges affiliated with Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), presided over a meeting at SALU Khairpur. The meeting aimed to improve the college education system and discussed key decisions to achieve this goal. Jillani emphasized the importance of law in maintaining order and stability, stating that it is essential for proper functioning and should be promoted and safeguarded. He also commended the educational progress in Balochistan, noting that the region's efforts need to match its pace. Additionally, he highlighted the significant role of lawyers in the country's political landscape, citing examples of renowned politicians who were once lawyers and made notable contributions to national development.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341170/meeting-discusses-improvements-in-college-education-system

January 6, 2025

Thinking Nation Expands to 16 States Nationwide

Thinking Nation aims to provide equal educational opportunities by promoting diverse learning practices that reflect students' identities, histories, and experiences. The organization currently serves over 35,000 students in 16 states and the District of Columbia, with a goal of transforming social studies classrooms nationwide.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thinking-nation-releases-2025-predictions-for-k-12-social-studies-and-civics-education-in-the-united-states-302343006.html

January 4, 2025

Michigan Sets Graduation Targets for Ypsilanti Schools

The state of Michigan has set proficiency targets for language arts and math at 57.05 and 35.90 respectively. The graduation overview calculates a school's success in meeting graduation rate targets in four-, five- and six-year cohorts with goals being 93%, 95.76% and 96.34%. Several schools, including Ypsilanti Community Schools, Ann Arbor Public Schools, and Heritage Academies, have been identified as having below performance thresholds for certain student groups such as students with disabilities, English learners, and economically disadvantaged students.

https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/01/washtenaw-county-schools-put-on-state-watch-lists-still-among-lowest-performing.html

January 4, 2025

Sindh Minister Pushes for Skilled Teachers in Pakistan

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah emphasized the importance of skilled teachers in Pakistan at a convocation ceremony hosted by the GECE Hussainabad and Durbeen, highlighting that public sector institutions must prioritize their education faculties to address the country's need for qualified educators. He announced the launch of the Sindh government's first-ever Teacher Licensing Policy and several innovative teacher training programs, with the goal of producing teachers who can shape a brighter future for society.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1268769-teachers-are-backbone-of-nation-architects-of-social-change