🎓 NAEP Science Update | 🚸 COVID Absenteeism Impact Until 2030 | 🌎 Global Education Disparities & More
SmartEdu News 2024-02-15
🇺🇸 U.S. EDUCATION
The NAEP Science Exam Is Getting a Major Update. Here’s What to Expect
After two decades, the US is updating the science education framework for the 2028 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The new framework emphasizes real-world application, incorporates digital tools for interactive tasks, and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards to address concerns about declining scientific understanding.
Schools Won’t Recover from COVID Absenteeism Crisis Until at Least 2030
A report suggests that the impact of COVID-related absenteeism will persist until at least 2030, with chronic absenteeism rising from 11% to 39% in school districts from 2017-18 to 2021-22. Urgent action is needed to address the crisis, particularly in low-performing districts, according to researchers.
Visualizing the Most (and Least) Educated Counties in America
This article explores the influential role of education in community development, utilizing 2022 American Community Survey data. It highlights disparities in high school, bachelor's, and advanced degree attainment, emphasizing geographic trends and the need for addressing gaps to foster inclusive development and equal opportunities.
Dozens of Illinois Schools Have 0 Students Proficient in Math, Reading (VIDEO)
Illinois schools show poor readiness in 2022-2023 exams, with 66 schools having zero proficient students in math, 31 in English Language Arts (ELA), and 29 schools lacking proficiency in either subject.
Texas Children Still Struggle in Math Post-Pandemic, Schools Try New Approaches
Texas introduces Eureka Math curriculum to improve math education, moving away from test-centric approaches. Policymakers and educators aim to address the decline in students mastering math, fearing it will impact the state's future workforce. Evaluations will determine the curriculum's effectiveness, with optimism based on previous success in pilot programs. Staffing shortages, pandemic disruptions, and a lack of experienced math teachers pose challenges to students catching up. Policymakers and educators seek solutions, including laws promoting math advancement and initiatives to enhance instructional materials and tutoring.
🌎 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
200,000 French Students to Benefit From the Rollout of MIA, an AI-Powered Revision App
French lycée students will soon access an AI-powered app, MIA, offering 20,000 adaptive exercises in literature and math. Initiated by EdTech start-up EvidenceB, the app, approved by former education minister Gabriel Attal, aims to challenge and track student progress. However, concerns about "techno-solutionism" are raised by the largest teacher union, Snes-FSU. The app usage is not mandatory for students.
Education Finance: Using Money Effectively is Critical to Improving Education
The World Bank prioritizes enhancing education finance by mobilizing sufficient resources, improving spending efficiency, and promoting equitable resource distribution. The goal is to ensure effective and sustainable financing, identify and address spending inefficiencies, and support governments in creating transparent funding systems that benefit all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: 64 New Members From 35 Countries
Sixty-four cities from 35 countries have joined UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) for their outstanding commitment to promoting lifelong learning at the local level. The new members, added during a virtual event, will co-lead the #ImALifelongLearner campaign, emphasizing the right to education for all ages. This international network, which now includes 356 cities, facilitates collaboration to provide lifelong learning opportunities for approximately 390 million citizens globally. The network encourages cities to promote inclusive and quality learning, engage various partners, and utilize modern learning technologies.
The Most (and Least) Educated Nations and Their Impact on Prosperity
Examining mean years of schooling and GDP per capita globally, top performers like Germany and Switzerland contrast with struggling African nations. Regional analysis shows Europe excelling, Asia diversifying, and Oceania boasting outliers. Tailored strategies are essential for inclusive global development.