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🇪🇺 European Degree | 📉 K-12 Spending | ❌ High School Dropouts | 🧑🏫 Global Teacher Shortage and More
SmartEdu News 2024-03-28
🇺🇸 U.S. EDUCATION
States Are Pulling Back on K-12 Spending. How Hard Will Schools Get Hit?
School districts nationwide, like Schoharie schools in New York, face budget challenges due to state funding cuts. Financial woes exacerbate as districts struggle to meet rising costs amidst stagnant aid. Creative solutions like program partnerships emerge, yet job losses loom. The pandemic's aftermath further strains already tight budgets, hindering student preparedness efforts.
Phones are Distracting Students in Class. More States are Pressing Schools to ban Them
Educators nationwide report students using smartphones for non-academic activities during class, prompting calls for stricter bans. State leaders like Utah's Governor push for removal of cellphones citing improved learning. Federal legislation and parental concerns also fuel the debate. Schools implementing strict policies see enhanced focus and engagement among students.
Mathematics Education in Focus: Key Findings from the RAND AMES Report
The RAND American Mathematics Educator Study (AMES) explores key factors influencing K–8 math education, focusing on tracking, teacher qualifications, and support for struggling students. It reveals differences in tracking practices between elementary and middle schools, certification gaps among teachers, and the availability of support systems, highlighting disparities and the need for equity-focused improvements.
Map Reveals States With the Most High School Dropouts
California, Texas, and New York have high dropout rates, while Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire lead in high school diploma attainment. Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maryland are the most educated states, while West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana lag behind.
🌎 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Commission Rolls out Plans for a European Degree
EU presents package to promote European degrees, enhancing learning mobility and employability. It comprises a blueprint for joint programmes, offering a preparatory label and a European degree, respecting university autonomy. Additional initiatives focus on quality assurance, automatic recognition of qualifications, and improving academic careers.
The World’s Best Math Universities in (Almost) Every Nation
QS World University Rankings highlight top institutions globally for mathematics based on academic reputation, research impact, and international collaboration. Massachusetts Institute of Technology leads globally, showcasing U.S. dominance. Latin America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa also feature standout universities, emphasizing global collaboration and excellence in math education and research.
How the Pandemic Affected Global Education: Insights from PISA
The Covid-19 pandemic caused widespread school closures, leading to significant learning losses globally, according to OECD's PISA data. Average decline in scores of 14%, equivalent to seven months of learning, is observed, with varying impacts based on closure duration. Low-achieving students suffer the most, posing long-term economic implications.
UN Issues Global Alert Over Teacher Shortage
UN warns of global teacher shortage crisis. Urgent action needed to address the shortfall, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Recommendations emphasize support, recognition, and resources for educators. Investing in teacher training, standards, and retention crucial for achieving quality education and lifelong learning goals. Estimated annual financing need: $120 billion by 2030.