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.htmlThe 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.eceSingapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) is facing concerns about the decline in literacy levels among older workers. According to a study by the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), Singaporeans' ability to read and understand complex texts declines with age, which may impact their employability. In response, Minister Chan emphasized the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling beyond formal education, citing the importance of developing job-specific skills and adapting to technological changes. He noted that while students perform well in school, they must also focus on developing skills beyond their 15 years of formal education to remain competitive in the workforce.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/adult-literacy-decline-older-singapore-adults-oecd-new-skills-education-4844781Singapore's Minister for Education, Chan Chun Sing, has emphasized the need for a culture of learning and SkillsFuture training to keep adults in Singapore competent. This is necessary as the country's workforce needs to adapt to an increasingly complex and rapidly changing job market. The government had planned to stop using NRIC numbers for authentication, but it was not implemented. In other news, Singapore and Malaysia are exploring a framework for cross-border electricity trade through renewable energy certificates.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/skillsfuture-training-culture-learning-needed-keep-adults-competent-chan-chun-singTanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reaffirmed her government's commitment to improving education to equip youth with skills for the country's growing investment projects, which rely heavily on modern technologies. The goal is to have a skilled workforce that can be employed in various professions within these projects, such as those established in North Unguja, Zanzibar, where President Hassan inaugurated the newly built Bumbwini Secondary School on January 8, 2025.
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/samia-stresses-education-s-role-in-driving-investment-growth-4882712Lightspeed has launched Topcat Cascadia, a networked instructional audio system designed to provide equal access to learning in classrooms. The system integrates with other classroom technology and ensures every student can hear their teacher's voice clearly, regardless of the room's size or acoustics. It also prioritizes safety by integrating with life-safety and building-wide communication systems, allowing teachers to send discreet alerts or initiate two-way communication with support staff. Topcat Cascadia is an advancement in Lightspeed's Cascadia line, which has seen strong demand from schools prioritizing student and staff safety.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lightspeed-launches-topcat-cascadia-networked-audio-solution-for-enhanced-classroom-safety-and-communication-302346058.htmlThe UAE has launched a campaign to support education in Palestine by sending school bags and supplies to students. The initiative is led by the UAE, with the participation of several organizations including the Emirates Red Crescent, Zayed Charitable & Humanitarian Foundation, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and Sharjah Charity International. The campaign aims to alleviate the living burdens on Palestinian families and provide educational opportunities for children, who are seen as a key part of building a better future.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/01/08/uae-launches-education-support-campaign-in-gazaVictoria's most expensive private schools, including Geelong Grammar, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, and Mentone Grammar, will have their federal funding reduced over the next five years due to being "overfunded" by millions of dollars. The list of 299 schools, published for the first time during Senate estimates, includes institutions that have banked excess funds from the Commonwealth since 2024. Education Minister Jason Clare has vowed to transition these schools down to their assessed School Resourcing Standard (SRS) by 2029.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its "Future of Jobs Report 2025", which predicts that by 2030, about 170 new roles will be created and 92 million jobs displaced, resulting in a net rise of 78 million new jobs. The report cites technological advancements, demographic shifts, geoeconomic tensions, and economic pressures as key drivers of these changes. According to WEF head of work, wages and job creation Till Leopold, businesses and governments must work together to invest in skills and build an equitable and resilient global workforce. The report highlights the growing importance of technology skills such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity, while also emphasizing the need for human skills like creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility. Frontline roles and essential sectors like care and education are expected to see significant job growth by 2030, driven by advances in AI and renewable energy.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/01/08/wef-report-78-million-jobs-to-be-created-by-2030-urgent-need-for-upskilling-in-ai-big-data-cybersecurity-and-human-skills/162450