AGP Executive Report

Teacher Recognition & Learning Gains (Philippines): President Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara honored two Metrobank Foundation award-winning teachers, spotlighting localized, culture-based learning and interactive science teaching. AI & Higher Ed Policy (South Africa): The World Academic Summit opened in Cape Town, with universities debating how to support AI use rather than simply punish it. Bullying Rules Rejected (India): India’s Supreme Court declined a PIL seeking a new national law and uniform guidelines to curb bullying and ragging, pointing to prior rulings while allowing a representation to authorities. Student Assessment Updates (US): Georgia reported its public-school SAT results beat the national average for the ninth straight year; Virginia approved new rules for assessing subjects without statewide SOL tests. Early Childhood Crisis (Nigeria): UBEC warned 10 million Nigerian children are shut out of early education, with most 10-year-olds unable to read simple text. Title IX Rollback (US): The U.S. Department of Education formally removed Biden-era Title IX protections, restoring earlier rules. Funding Pressure (Russia): Reuters reports Russia plans to cut education funding in 2027 as defense spending rises. Local School Safety & Rights (NYC): NYC Mayor Mamdani unveiled a strategy to combat antisemitism, including education and security investments.

Higher Ed & Innovation: Qatar’s WISE EdTech Accelerator opened applications for its 2026–27 cohort, backing early-stage education startups with mentorship and investor access. Quality Assurance: Qatar also launched the Arab Model for Quality and Excellence in Education (AMQEE), a UNESCO-linked framework using standards and indicators to drive continuous improvement. AI in Education: Latin America and the Caribbean’s new Observatory on Artificial Intelligence in Education held its first member meeting, bringing ministries and partners together to promote ethical, human-centred AI use. Policy & Rights: The US Department of Education rescinded Biden-era Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students and moved back to a 2020 framework. Classroom & Equity: A Kansas study warns that some online open education resources can frame imperialism positively, raising concerns about how difficult topics are handled. Access & Support: Shivam Cement distributed school materials for students with disabilities in Nepal, while Iran announced higher-education and scholarship options for international students.

Title IX Rollback (US): The U.S. Education Department has rescinded Title IX protections for transgender students, removing gender identity as a protected class and setting up likely legal fights over sports and participation. Public Education Pressure (Spain): Thousands marched in Madrid ahead of an indefinite public education strike starting Oct. 14, with demands focused on class sizes, teaching hours, and pay. Workforce Pipeline (US): Connecticut won a $4.7M federal grant to expand registered apprenticeship pathways for special education teachers and early intervention staff. Higher Ed Access (US): University of Nebraska–Lincoln received a $5M TRIO grant to grow college access services for low-income and first-generation students across multiple Nebraska communities. Quality Systems (Qatar): Qatar launched a program to implement the Arab Model for Quality and Excellence in Education and train education leaders. Special Education Workforce (US): Connecticut’s grant joins broader efforts to strengthen special education staffing and training routes. Local Learning Support (US): A Montana Mesonet education open house will teach families and farmers how to use new weather monitoring data for agriculture. Student Safety (US): Officials urged parents to keep kids off e-bikes, citing speed and safety concerns. Community Input (US): Glen Cove, New York schools are using an AI-enabled feedback platform to gather community priorities for a new strategic plan. Education Funding & Reform (Nigeria): UBEC will end “disconnected” school projects under a new whole-school approach as it rolls out its 10-year basic education roadmap.

Higher-Education Reform: Kazakhstan’s higher education ministry says it has started reviewing and restructuring public university holding companies, including UiTM Holdings, after governance and funding concerns. Health & Skills Partnerships: Bangladesh Medical University is deepening ties with China’s Yunnan and Kunming Medical University, with plans spanning robotic surgery, kidney transplantation, and expanded training. Education Strategy (Fiji): Fiji’s cabinet has backed a 10-year Education Sector Strategic Plan focused on quality teaching, wider access, and stronger governance. Career & Technical Training: Arizona Western College opened a new Parker Welding Lab to expand hands-on vocational pathways for local students. Student Support & Inclusion: UK-based reporting highlights a school-approved SEND-focused building for Ringwood County Junior School, adding flexible learning and childcare space. Student Debt: Two U.S. student loan borrowers filed a class-action suit claiming canceled loans still show as outstanding debt on credit reports. Civic Learning: A U.S. college civic engagement tabling event for National Constitution Day drew a big jump in participation, pairing constitution education with voter registration help.

Higher Ed Oversight & Quality: Philippines’ CHEd shut 26 teacher-education programs across 11 institutions for failing quality standards, signaling tighter monitoring of “diploma mills.” Assessment Reform: Minnesota launched a 28-member task force to overhaul standardized testing, with calls for a more useful, timely system. AI in Education: UNESCO urged responsible AI use and equal access, while a new study highlights a gap between employer expectations and what educators teach about AI workforce readiness. Public Education Under Pressure: Madrid’s public-school community marched for smaller classes, higher pay, and less bureaucracy ahead of an October indefinite strike. Access & Inclusion: Ghana plans to institutionalize Ghanaian Sign Language in schools, including teacher training and standardized terminology. Global Partnerships: The Philippines and Cyprus signed an education and research cooperation deal. Higher Ed Growth: UAE reported a 15% jump in university admissions to over 218,000 students in 2025–26.

Teacher Training Crackdown (Philippines): The Commission on Higher Education shut 26 teacher education programs across 11 institutions for failing quality standards, citing “diploma mills” concerns and zero passing rates in licensure exams. Higher-Education Partnerships (Kazakhstan–Malaysia): Kazakhstan is looking to revive ties with Malaysia via student mobility, research collaboration, and possible Malaysian branch campuses, with six cooperation areas identified. AI in Education (U.S.): California Community Colleges’ chancellor discussed using AI as a learning and creativity tool while stressing privacy, security, and ethical safeguards. Teacher Prep Funding (U.S. courts): A federal judge ruled the Trump administration’s termination of K-12 teacher-prep grant funding was unlawful, clearing the way for new competitions. Scholarships & Admissions (India): NTA opened RMS CET 2026 applications for Class 6 and 9; UPESSC announced 15,012 teaching vacancies; and multiple scholarship deadlines are nearing, including medical and other course support. UNICEF Innovation Internship (Sweden): UNICEF launched a paid Venture Fund Internship 2026 (in-person or remote) for students and recent graduates.

Teacher-Training Crackdown (Philippines): CHED has closed 26 teacher education programs across 11 institutions, citing non-compliance and poor licensure outcomes, and says it’s recalibrating monitoring to tackle “diploma mills.” Hiring Delays (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s education minister says primary assistant teacher candidates who still lack appointment letters by Oct. 1 will get letters in phases after protests over missed paperwork. Payroll Disruptions (Malawi): Malawi’s education ministry removed 298 education officers from the September payroll after they missed a personnel audit and now requires in-person verification. Higher-Ed Partnerships (Malaysia–Kazakhstan): Malaysia and Kazakhstan agreed to deepen university cooperation, including AI, nuclear science, agriculture and critical minerals, plus annual meetings and expanded student mobility. Language Expansion (Bangladesh): The University Grants Commission says “third language” education is rolling out at 50 universities by year-end. Workforce Learning (US): Alabama A&M and Morningbird Space Corporation launched a revenue-sharing partnership to deliver online workforce training and certification pathways. Community Learning Events (US): Pasadena hosts a free Black Education Expo for K-12 families on Oct. 3, with AI literacy and college access sessions.

School Safety Probe: Malaysia’s Education Ministry ordered an immediate audit after a 14-year-old student died in a school hostel in Kuala Pilah, with police investigating alleged bullying. Higher-Education Diplomacy: Malaysia and Kazakhstan pledged a broader knowledge partnership built around student mobility, research, digital education and cultural ties, as the Malaysian higher-education minister visited Astana. Islamic Education Funding: Malaysia’s PM approved RM2.8 million to repair basic infrastructure at 14 Islamic education institutions in Kedah, plus RM250,000 for hadith programmes. Teacher Support & Classroom Management: A Pennsylvania SPSEA panel gave future educators practical advice on routines, classroom organization and managing daily stress. AI in Schools: Districts in the US Red River Valley are rolling out AI guidance—teaching when to use tools and when to go “old-school” with pencils and paper. US Data Crisis: The Trump administration’s cuts to education data collection at NCES are blamed for limiting insight as math and reading scores hit multi-decade lows. Local Accountability: Punjab’s information commission ordered disciplinary action over delayed salary and records in aided colleges, after an RTI complaint.

Rural STEM Push (US): The University of Maine won an NSF grant to give 18 K-12 teachers hands-on research experience in AI, quantum computing and microelectronics, then help them turn it into classroom lessons. Microplastics Lab (US): UMaine also opened a new NSF-backed facility to detect and measure microplastics in seafood, water and soil, aiming to fill local monitoring gaps. CTE Expansion (US): Alabama leaders marked milestones in Troy, including a renovated Academy Street Career Innovation Center and a new CTE training facility, funded by major state investments. School Safety & Discipline (US): An Allentown school board tabled a policy on expelling or transferring students convicted of sexually assaulting peers, including rules for incidents outside school. Teacher Strike Talks (Ghana): Ghana’s education ministry will meet teacher unions Monday to try to end a strike over unpaid promotion arrears. Music in Schools (Australia): NSW unveiled a 10-year “Time for Music” plan to expand consistent music education across public primary schools. Israel-Intel STEM/AI Deal: Israel’s education ministry signed an agreement with Intel to bring AI and STEM mentoring into schools. Moldova Education Focus: Moldova’s president highlighted universities’ role in preparing students for rapid tech and AI-driven change.

FAFSA Push: The U.S. Department of Education opened the 2027-28 FAFSA in its earliest-ever launch, aiming to help families start sooner with a streamlined form. Higher Ed Access: Louisiana’s HBCUs are set to receive $14M+ in federal grants, supporting student learning and skills. K-12 Funding Courts: Wyoming’s Supreme Court largely upheld the limits of judicial involvement in education funding, reversing parts of a lower ruling while keeping the Legislature in charge. Remote Learning Options: Indiana’s South Spencer approved a virtual school option after a feasibility study showed a positive financial impact. Equity in Schooling: Malaysia’s PM’s wife urged celebrating educators while ensuring children in remote areas also get access to education. Early Childhood Spotlight: A Louisiana TV special highlights how early childhood programs drive brain development and future learning. STEM via Nature: Miami-Dade schools are expanding hands-on tree and forestry lessons with a USDA Forest Service grant. Book Bans Debate: An Ohio librarian argues book bans often start with self-censorship and challenges that limit ideas reaching students.

Voter Education: Wisconsin’s League of Women Voters held a pre-election briefing on three constitutional amendments covering limits on the governor’s partial veto, bans on closing places of worship during emergencies, and protections against government discrimination. Student Wellness & Inclusion: At the University of Virginia, “Girls Who Lift” is building a women-only gym community to make fitness feel less intimidating and more consistent. Higher-Ed Reform Debate: UK education leaders are pushing “Bringing Back Clever,” aiming to shift from an exam-heavy “exam factory” toward a “talent factory” that values vocational skills alongside degrees. Policy & Curriculum Tensions: Manitoba educators say the new sex-ed curriculum is undermined by an opt-out clause, arguing it weakens the overhaul’s goals. Legal Oversight in Education: India’s Supreme Court questioned whether the Bar Council of India is an “expert body” to set legal education standards. Global Funding Push: Nigeria and Italy backed a proposed $5bn global education financing drive at UNGA 81, linking investment to teacher capacity and access. Local Accountability: Florida’s education department sent districts a 90-day plan to filter sexually explicit content and hold superintendents accountable. Equity in Schools: A South Africa court challenge seeks to overturn “group copying” findings that withheld exam results for 50 former matric learners.

FAFSA Overhaul: The U.S. Department of Education is rolling out the 2027–2028 FAFSA earlier than ever, saying the simplified form averages about 15 minutes to complete and lets students invite contributors by text or email. AI & Skills: Turing Award winner John Hopcroft says education should build curiosity, independent thinking, and strong foundations as AI reshapes work. Early Childhood Focus: Singapore is setting up an international advisory committee to improve preschool quality and teacher professional development, including keeping pace with AI and digital tools. Career & Technical Training: Iowa’s Indian Hills Community College won federal TRIO grants to expand Educational Opportunity Center and Educational Talent Search services for about 1,500 people annually. Higher Ed Access: China says it now has 270 million people with higher-education backgrounds as universities expand enrollment and adjust programs for labor-market needs. Student Support Tech: ZoopLoop partnered with Success Academy Charter Schools to reduce lost/damaged styluses with tethering solutions. Policy & Compliance: New Supreme Court continuing legal education rules give lawyers more choice in how they earn required credits. Arts Funding: Sonoma’s Plein Air festival raised millions for K-12 visual arts supplies and instruction.

Freedom of Information Clash (New Zealand): New Zealand’s Chief Ombudsman says he has “significant concerns” after leaked comments alleging the Ministry of Education may be trying to circumvent the Official Information Act, and he’s seeking urgent talks with the education secretary. School Safety Oversight (South Korea): Reviews of potential school violence are rising sharply, with more cases being escalated to regional deliberation committees rather than handled at schools. Learning for Work (Asia-Pacific): A new survey finds nearly 9 in 10 young people in Asia-Pacific see a gap between education and workplace expectations, pushing demand for more practical, workplace-linked learning. Higher Ed Funding (US): The U.S. Department of Education approved new Workforce Pell Grant programs in Texas, expanding federal aid for short-term career training, and also announced major additional funding for Alabama’s HBCUs. Classroom Policy (Singapore): Singapore’s smaller-class-size pilot gets political backing as a way to improve classroom management and individual attention. Student Support & Access (Pakistan/Sindh): Pakistan calls for a fundamental education overhaul centered on creativity and critical thinking, while Sindh expands special-education support with digital classrooms and satellite schools.

Private School Support in Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched “Manarat Elm” with a humanitarian foundation to cover tuition, textbooks, uniforms, transport and devices for eligible private school and kindergarten students, with a 30% Lusail University tuition discount for qualifying graduates. Special Education Focus: A new push is reframing special education from paperwork compliance to whether students with disabilities are making meaningful progress, echoing the U.S. Supreme Court’s Endrew F. standard. Teacher Training & AI Readiness (EU): The European Commission released studies urging better AI training for teachers and highlighting unequal access to digital tools across schools. Curriculum Update in Alberta: Alberta will field-test a revised CALM 10 and a new Grade 10 physical education and wellness course, moving sexual health content out of CALM. School Safety & Infrastructure: After a double earthquake, engineers in Ocumare de la Costa de Oro are inspecting school buildings and planning repairs and temporary spaces for the school year. Community Education & Learning Access: Sussex Technical Adult Education is offering free after-school electrical classes for high school students, while a Warri Kingdom group distributed back-to-school notebooks to support students as classes resumed.

CTE Expansion: Adams 12 Five Star Schools broke ground on a nearly $40M expansion to grow career and technical education at its FutureForward campus, adding new tracks like cosmetology, barbering, and dental assisting. Curriculum Updates: NCERT released the new Grade 9 Mathematics textbook for 2026-27 (available Sept. 21) and set the Grade 9 Social Science book for release Sept. 30. Higher Ed Access: Pomona College reported its most recent incoming cohort with heavy financial aid support, including many first-generation students and transfers from community colleges. Teacher/School Oversight: England’s Education Secretary is weighing further changes to Ofsted inspections after headteachers said the system has left them feeling suicidal. Student Support & Inclusion: A Michigan State University study suggests colleges undercount autistic students, with only a small share registering for disability services despite higher likely enrollment. STEM & Skills Pipeline: Malaysia’s MOE and ACCA partnered to train about 1,000 accounting educators to strengthen financial literacy and career pathways. Digital Learning & Equity: India’s disability inclusion push faces gaps, with limited remedial support and digital access still blocking full participation in higher education. Community Learning: Madera Community College launched an “Agave 101” community course after planting multiple agave varieties for research. Voter Education: The League of Women Voters is ramping up midterm voter education through school outreach and registration help.

Funding Boost: Northeastern State University’s TRIO Talent Search programs won $3M from the U.S. Department of Education to support 1,200 Oklahoma students annually over five years. Policy Shift (Malaysia): Malaysia’s Education Ministry dropped the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for private limited companies running private education institutions. TVET & Climate Skills (Kenya): Kenya urged TVET colleges to fully adopt a green curriculum so graduates can tackle climate change and a shifting economy. School Operations (Ireland): Primary and special school groups want Ireland to raise the basic capitation rate by €50 to cover rising day-to-day costs. Safety Education (Canada/US): Rail Safety Week runs Sept. 21–27 with a campaign focused on safer behavior around tracks and crossings. Higher Ed Partnerships (US): UC Irvine and NSWC Corona signed an education partnership to expand Navy STEM pipelines. Disaster Recovery (Indonesia): Indonesia plans to revitalize 1,487 quake-affected schools in East Nusa Tenggara. Teacher Prep & AI (US): A new framework and webinar focus on how teacher education programs should train educators to use AI ethically.