AGP Executive Report

AI & Youth Safety: A new Common Sense Media report finds AI is now mainstream for kids: 86% of 9–17-year-olds have used generative AI, nearly a quarter use it daily, and most use it for schoolwork—prompting calls for faster protections. Career & Skills Training: Greenville County Schools and Greenville Tech are expanding welding education with a new Center for Welding and Automation Excellence to address a national shortage. Charter Oversight: Colorado’s Summit School District voted 5-1 to keep local authority over charter schools, blocking a charter’s push to shift oversight to the state. Remote Learning Growth: North Carolina is set to nearly double remote charter academies next year, raising new monitoring and renewal challenges. School Governance: Pasadena Teachers Union opposes recall efforts targeting board members, arguing stability matters for students. Policy & Access: A federal judge blocked a proposed $100,000 H1-B visa fee that could have hit teacher hiring, including in Alaska. Early Learning & Community: Alachua County libraries host “Storm Ready Storytime” to teach hurricane preparedness to ages 3–8. International Education Crisis: UN reporting highlights Afghanistan’s ongoing ban on girls’ education and rising security and humanitarian pressures.

Assessment & Exams: Bangladesh’s SSC and equivalent results are set for July 20, with 18.57 lakh students registered across SSC, Dakhil and vocational streams. Digital Education Security: India’s CBSE says its post-result verification and re-evaluation portal stayed fully functional from June 2–7, with 1.6 lakh candidates submitting requests for 3.8 lakh answer books, while the Supreme Court also issued notice in a Class 12 improvement result plea from a student in Saudi Arabia. Access & Pathways: Qatar’s MoEHE will let government secondary Arts-track graduates move into science majors via the Academic Bridge Program’s STEM pathway. Inclusive Education: Boston plans to end high-school grades at Henderson and Mary Lyon as it reshapes special education toward fully inclusive classrooms, raising staffing concerns for students with higher needs. Student Safety & Policy: Kyrgyzstan’s parliament hears that porn-site blocking is effective via ongoing provider blacklists, though VPN use remains a workaround. Community Learning: Eastern Washington University students are building a Mach 2 rocket for an international collegiate competition; meanwhile, a new early childhood centre is planned in Zambia’s Mansa district.

Philippines Education Reform: DepEd is rolling out a three-term school calendar, updated lesson planning and assessment rules, and a strengthened senior high curriculum, alongside emergency learning continuity and teacher support for 26M+ learners. Admissions Equity: A ministry in one country says preschool “preferential categories” were removed from online kindergarten registration because admissions must run through a unified electronic queue under anti-discrimination rules. Higher Ed Governance: Alabama’s Auburn Board of Trustees created a Presidential Academic Advisory Council to replace the faculty senate and tighten curriculum oversight under new state law. AI in Classrooms: Kuwait is monitoring secondary exams with safety measures, while other coverage highlights AI integration seminars and calls for a national AI policy that protects trust in higher education. Integrity Under Pressure: Cameroon rescheduled parts of its GCE after leaked exam questions, aiming to preserve fairness. Inclusive Education Push: Cameroon’s disability-inclusive education campaign “We Ring The Bell” seeks better access and financing for children with disabilities. Student Outcomes Data: Texas districts reported very high shares of students not on college track, renewing debate over readiness and support.

School Safety & Compliance: Bihar fire officials carried out a surprise audit at “Khan Global Studies” and flagged major violations, setting a June 15 compliance deadline. Exams & Student Stress: Kenya’s education leadership urged schools to consider postponing mock exams to prevent unrest when students aren’t ready. Teacher Skills & Job-Linked Learning: Bangladesh’s prime minister inaugurated training for 12,000 college teachers to embed skills-based, technical education and push mandatory internships and industry ties. Higher Education Policy Input: Sri Lanka opened public consultation on a National Higher Education Policy Framework, inviting feedback via an online survey. Regional School Calendar Changes: Telangana rescheduled reopening to June 15 (from June 12) and added a working day later to keep instructional days on track. AI in Education: Cambodia launched a computational thinking programme in primary schools, while Hong Kong’s HKUST hosted an AI+education summit with global school and tech leaders. Equity & Access: South Korea announced education subsidies for children aged 7–18 from low-income multicultural families.

Scholarship Guidance in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Higher Education Ministry wrapped up its “Wajhni” overseas scholarship awareness drive, drawing 5,322 visitors and promising continued support during the application period. Teacher Pay Pressure in India: Arunachal Pradesh Congress urged action over repeated salary delays for SCERT and DIET teacher educators, with an indefinite strike threatened from mid-June. Exam Integrity Protests in India: Student groups and youth movements escalated demands for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged NEET and exam irregularities, including calls to scrap the NTA. Curriculum Update in India: NCERT’s revised Class VIII social science books are expected back on shelves by mid-June after Supreme Court concerns over a corruption-related section. AI and Higher Education Research (US): University of Phoenix researchers published peer-reviewed findings linking doctoral students’ attitudes toward AI chatbots with reported ChatGPT use and academic integrity concerns. Education Access in Delhi: Teachers’ association asked Delhi’s education minister to remove restrictions blocking NIOS students from certain class 11 streams in government schools. STEM Summer Program (Hawaiʻi): University of Hawaiʻi’s Pacific Summer Transportation Education Program opened applications for a July 20–24 in-person STEM planning course. Equity Policy in Maharashtra: Maharashtra extended OBC-like educational benefits to Maratha students via a new government resolution.

Student Protests & Cuts: Brussels saw violent clashes as students joined teachers protesting austerity-driven education cuts in French-language schools, with police dispersing crowds near Brussels-Central. Sex Education Policy: Italy’s right-wing government approved a reform making parental consent mandatory for sex education and barring it from nurseries and primary schools, drawing opposition criticism. Admissions & Data Rules: Kerala Education Minister N. Samsudheen said the Aadhaar-based headcount rule that has blocked some migrant children’s admissions will be revisited, after reports of denials in Ernakulam. Funding Continuity (US): The U.S. Education Department began the process to extend $46M for the Native Hawaiian Education Program for another year after a Schatz–McMahon agreement. Equity in Medical Training: A new report highlights persistent discrimination and inequality in medical education and training, even as UK regulators target disadvantage by 2031. Access Gaps (Afghanistan): Thousands of children in western Afghanistan’s displacement settlements lack functioning schools, forcing many into work instead of classes. Regional Cooperation (Cambodia/Japan): Cambodia and Japan’s IATSS signed an MoU to strengthen road safety education through teacher training and joint research. Equity via Benefits (India): Maharashtra extended OBC-like educational benefits to Maratha students, announcing eight welfare schemes after sustained agitation. Accountability in Schools (Guyanа): Guyana’s Education Ministry sent an investigation file to the Teaching Service Commission over alleged mistreatment at David Rose Special Education Needs School, with a disciplinary hearing expected within 10 days.

Student Protests in India: Indian students are calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam irregularities, with a Gen Z-led online campaign urging a peaceful protest in New Delhi. Mental Health Snapshot (US): A Youth Voices Count survey in New Britain finds more than one in five students reporting anxiety or depression, alongside ongoing bullying concerns and gaps in adult intervention. Inclusive Education Leadership (US): Kent School District in Washington names Dana Stiner as its new Inclusive Education executive director, reshuffling district leadership as special education support scales. Charter School Roadblock (US): Summit School District’s board votes 5-1 to keep its chartering authority, rejecting a charter school’s request to open a new campus in Summit County. AI in Alternative Learning (US): Bay City’s Eastern High School plans an AI-powered, personalized online learning model for the 2026-27 school year. Vocational Training Deal (Central Asia–Europe): Uzbekistan’s Ferghana region and German vocational providers expand cooperation to build modern training centers and align skills with labor-market needs. Higher Ed Inclusion Grant (US): Lee University receives a Tennessee grant to plan an inclusive postsecondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Teacher Pay Debate (US): North Carolina’s education board warns a proposed teacher pay plan may leave veteran teachers behind due to limited increases after mid-career. Local Education Funding (US): Ketchum, Idaho will host public events to explain local-option “tourist” taxes and gather input on potential rate increases.

Mental Health Policy Review: India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed a draft National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools, stressing safe, inclusive learning and teachers as first-line mentors. Private School Fee Controls: Punjab moved to draft “tough” legislation to curb arbitrary private school fee hikes, including a 5% cap and refunds for excess charges. Inclusive Early Learning (UK): Northern Ireland launched an Inclusive Play Programme for children with SEN, rolling out across 48 settings over three years with play-therapist support. Teacher Views on AI: A new NPR/Ipsos poll found most K-12 teachers think AI will reshape education more than past tech, while urging schools to teach responsible AI use. Exam Marks Clarified (India): CBSE clarified Class 12 re-evaluation scoring, saying extra attempted questions are marked with an asterisk and only the highest scores count. School Safety Training (US): Ohio’s School Safety Center expanded STOP THE BLEED® training so students and staff can respond to severe bleeding emergencies. Access in Custody (Nigeria): Hope Behind Bars Africa upgraded NOUN and NABTEB learning centres at a Keffi custodial facility, supporting education for 666 inmates. School Infrastructure (Saudi Arabia): ROSHN Group signed an agreement to build a public educational facility in WAREFA, with capacity up to 500 students.

U.S. Media & Policy: Education Writers Association journalists gathered in Baltimore to compare notes on federal/state shifts, AI in schools, and declining enrollment. Massachusetts Funding: Lawmakers passed a $1.35B package aimed at easing school budget strain while boosting public transportation and housing-related tax relief. Teacher Support: In Ohio, retired educators are funding classroom grants through the Doctor Jon Rockhold Teacher Grant program, helping teachers try projects their schools can’t always afford. STEM & Learning Innovation: UC San Diego researchers paired AI with a tiny optical device to correct distorted light for sharper imaging, with potential uses in biology and astronomy. Inclusive Education Push: Cameroon launched a nationwide awareness campaign to improve access to education for children with disabilities. Afghanistan Rights Crisis: A new report describes how Taliban restrictions have devastated Afghan women academics’ ability to study and work. School Governance & Exams: Kuwait’s education minister inspected exam centers to ensure Grade 10–11 tests run smoothly. Higher Ed & Workforce: Amazon pledged $1B to expand its Career Choice employee education program, targeting skills for fast-growing jobs.

Free Education Law in Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema is set to sign the Education (Amendment) Bill, making free education a legal right and citing millions returning to classrooms since 2022, alongside pension reforms. School Safety and Calendar: Kenya’s Education Ministry says there’s no plan for early school closures after unrest and fire incidents, pointing to targeted interventions and a nationwide safety audit. Inclusive Education Abroad: Ukraine’s diaspora in Europe is forming an Education Council to coordinate Ukrainian schools, protect language and support displaced children. Assessment Pressure: Scotland moves toward phone-free schools with phased guidance and a public health campaign, while Quebec prepares to expand Bill 101 language rules to adult and vocational education. Student Support and Meals: Bangladesh’s education minister promises uniforms within three months and midday meals for all primary students this year. Education Policy and Funding: California’s “Reconnect” program shows higher-than-average reenrollment for adults who stopped out, and Georgia reports 2.74B lari spent on education, science and youth (96.6% of plan). Education and Jobs: Indiana launches a licensed continuing education sponsor for real estate agents, and a new enterprise education pilot aims to boost youth entrepreneurship in the UK’s North East.

Protest & Austerity: Thousands of students and activists clashed with police in Santiago, Chile, over President Kast’s education cuts and broader austerity plans. Civil Rights & Funding: The U.S. Department of Education warned Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado that it could lose federal funding in 10 days unless it complies with Title IX after findings tied to gender identity policies. Safety & Continuity: Kuwait’s education ministry met with a crisis-management team to strengthen emergency preparedness and keep schooling running during disasters. Conflict Impact on Schools: Russian strikes in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region damaged an educational institution and injured two people, including a 14-year-old. STEM in Practice: The Los Angeles Rams and Hollywood Park’s STEAM Education Program marked its first year, aiming to expand into high schools. Equity & Access: UNICEF Innocenti warned that restricting girls’ secondary education in Afghanistan is harming the country’s workforce and long-term growth. Teacher Pipeline: Michigan’s Talent Together program is helping adults transition into teaching through scholarships and flexible pathways. Inclusive Learning Abroad: Qatar’s Education Above All Foundation celebrated the graduation of 74 Afghan students supported through a Qatar scholarship program in the U.S. Community Learning & Support: Oregon Community Foundation announced $1.5M for education initiatives, including Black Student Success grants and STEM hubs, plus support for the child care workforce.

AI & Higher Education: Qatar Foundation’s WISE convened a policy dialogue on “AI, disinformation and higher education,” urging stronger information literacy and attention to language-model blind spots. Inclusive Schooling: Bahrain’s Al-Ahd Al-Zaher Secondary School for Girls highlighted its “Hand in Hand” initiative, pairing guidance support and peer helpers to boost participation for students with autism. Student Mobility: Qatar Foundation also signed new study-abroad agreements with Hampton University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Prairie View A&M for HBCU students to study in Education City. Education Funding Politics: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet pushed back on claims of cuts to education and healthcare, saying social-sector budgets are projected to rise. School Safety & Violence: In Patna, police are investigating stone-pelting and vandalism at “Khan Sir’s” coaching centre; three accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. System Trust & Cost: A UK survey finds growing skepticism about whether university degrees are worth the money amid debt and AI fears. Local Governance & Schools: South Carolina approved a state takeover of Marlboro County’s school district after long-running financial and management failures.

Educator Accountability & Safety: Texas Education Agency launched an Educator Misconduct Dashboard, letting the public search misconduct reports, investigations, SBEC sanctions, and the Do Not Hire Registry. Higher-Ed Funding Pressure: The U.S. Department of Education proposed STATS, tying federal loan eligibility to graduates’ earnings, drawing backlash from arts and liberal arts groups that fear program losses. School Meals Access: Houston ISD will end automatic free meals for students at 33 campuses in 2026-27 under CEP, though families can still apply for household eligibility. Mobile Phone Policy: Scotland’s education secretary says phone-free classroom rules are coming via tougher guidance and upcoming legislation, urging schools to restrict phones now. Teacher Pay Moves: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an order redirecting $168M from non-instructional education funds to permanent teacher pay raises. Student Protection & Oversight: India’s CBSE OSM exam-evaluation controversy continues as new CBSE chair and secretary were appointed amid a high-level inquiry. Community Support: A Boys & Girls Club in Parkersburg added a parent advocate to help families navigate IEPs and 504 plans.

Assessment Readiness (Qatar): Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education says it has completed preparations for Grade 12 second-semester exams, with 16,487 students testing across 87 centers and 4,406 staff overseeing the process. SEND & Specialist Provision (UK): New College Worcester has joined Aequalis Education Trust to expand specialist SEND support up to age 25, with a focus on vision impairment. Funding for Community Education (UK): A Leeds charity is among recipients of a £1.2m ScottishPower Foundation pot aimed at tackling digital exclusion and educational gaps. Refugee Learning (Africa): UNHCR and TECNO report progress in education access for refugee children, including classroom support, learning materials, and scholarships. Music Education Recognition (US): Chelsey Sweatman, choir director at Bridgetown Middle School, wins the 2026 Spark Award for impact on students and community connections. Exam Services (India): CBSE has launched an online portal for answer-sheet verification and re-evaluation, with Aadhaar-based access and set fees and deadlines. Student Support & Equity (US): A new analysis finds Pell Grant recipients face much higher food insecurity, raising risks to persistence and completion. Early Childhood Expansion (Indonesia): Indonesia plans to revitalize thousands of early childhood education schools to support its 13-year compulsory education push.

Active Transport Funding: Michigan awarded $282,000 in federal Safe Routes to School mini-grants for walking school buses, bike rodeos, and safety-focused programming. AI in Schools: A new report finds education organizations’ AI infrastructure budgets are holding steady or rising, but storage costs and cloud security remain major hurdles. Digital Learning in Kuwait: Kuwait’s education ministry finished teacher training for a Google-backed digital learning pilot, aimed at launching in 2026/27. Phone Rules in Class: Pennsylvania’s House approved a bill to ban cell phones during the school day, while New York’s statewide ban is reported as broadly popular with educators. Title IX Scrutiny: The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into Cabarrus County Schools over claims about males in girls-only intimate facilities. Teacher Career Pathways: In the Philippines, Education Secretary Sonny Angara oversaw oath-taking for 956 newly promoted teachers and school heads under an expanded career progression system. Higher Ed & Accreditation: A new U.S. push to increase competition in college accreditation is underway, with a new commission preparing to enter the field.

School Safety & Infrastructure: Dorchester County School District 2 will install about 15 bulletproof, fire-rated doors in special-ed classrooms this summer, prioritizing extra protection for students who may need more time during lockdowns. Education Policy & Funding: Fairfield schools approved a budget that cuts 11 STEAM teaching positions, while adding math resource and gifted-program roles to offset the impact. Exam Systems Under Pressure (India): CBSE acknowledged security vulnerabilities in its OnMark portal, saying issues are contained, while the Class 12 re-evaluation portal remains glitchy/under maintenance and timelines keep shifting for students. School Operations (Philippines): DepEd launched Brigada Eskwela 2026 with a cash-for-work plan to hire 240,000 workers to prepare schools, but one kickoff event in Puerto Princesa saw an LED screen topple and injure officials. Learning & Access: Qatar National Library announced a month of family and research programming, including school-readiness support for children with special needs. International Education: Colombia will start its first official Korean-language classes for middle and high school students in August.