AGP Executive Report

School Safety Overhaul (Philippines): After a June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban left 3 students dead and 20 injured, the education secretary says security has been reinforced with added CCTV, metal detectors, fencing, and more police presence, alongside flexible learning and psychosocial support for traumatized students. Stabbing Response (Malaysia): Malaysia’s education minister visited a Banting school after a Form Three girl was reportedly stabbed; police detained a suspect, and officials stressed medical care and counseling while warning against rumors. Accountability in Schools (India/J&K): The Ramban chief education officer suspended the entire staff of a government middle school after a student was found locked inside for hours, ordering a high-level inquiry. Curriculum & Content Scrutiny (India/J&K): J&K’s education department rechecked library books under Samagra Shiksha after social media concerns about objectionable material, with payments paused until reviews finish. Religious Education Policy (England): England will include Religious Education in the national curriculum for the first time, with public consultation expected in September and plans to cover non-religious worldviews too. Assessment & Access (Türkiye): Türkiye will digitally verify certain university continuing-education certificates via the e-government portal starting Oct. 1, 2026. School Choice Accountability (US/Florida): A state audit says Florida’s school choice program can’t account for $270 million spent and doesn’t know where 30,000+ K-12 students attend, renewing calls for tighter oversight.

Medical Education Expansion (Ghana): Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says Ghana will decentralise and expand medical training, modeled on earlier legal education access reforms, to remove barriers and boost the number of doctors nationwide. Curriculum Overhaul (Ghana): The revised national curriculum will add basic-level robotics, electronics, AI and coding, alongside stronger practical life skills and ethics, with the final report due soon. Higher Ed Quality vs Profit (India): West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari warns private colleges not to treat education as a commodity, citing alleged irregularities in some private medical colleges. Skills for the Future (UK): The TUC launches the 2050 Skills Project with unions, employers and colleges to tackle Britain’s adult training crisis. Teacher Protection (South Korea): New superintendents are prioritising faster responses to teacher rights violations, inspired by a popular drama. Allergy Safety (UK): “Benedict’s Law” will require life-saving allergy pens and training in all schools from September. Funding Boost (US—Michigan): Michigan’s education budget adds a 2.5% per-pupil increase, with more money for literacy supports and teacher training. Partnerships in Medical Training (Qatar): UDST signs an MoU with Qatar Armed Forces Medical Services for joint programmes, internships and research.

School Infrastructure Boost (Malaysia): Malaysia’s Education Ministry approved 27 new schools in Johor under 2023–2025 budgets, adding 830 classrooms for 29,000+ students, plus preschool expansion and RM444.8m for upgrades. Tech in Classrooms (Bangladesh): A nationwide survey on technology use in secondary education will start in 471 schools with ADB support, covering ICT labs, learning assessments, and attendance without disrupting classes. Higher Ed Policy (India): India’s UGC urged universities to map approved SWAYAM MOOCs into the July 2026 semester and register students on time, shifting MOOCs from “standalone” to credit-linked learning. SEND Funding Pressure (Wales): Welsh Labour says Wales is missing out on a £340m SEND consequential from England, warning ALN services are under extreme strain. Student Support & Inclusion (UK/Philippines): A UK school used Twinkl funding to expand sensory learning for SEND pupils, while the Philippines’ DepEd reported 223 ALS learners graduating in Sulu. Internship Pay Rights (Netherlands): Dutch students in vocational, applied sciences, and university education will gain a legal right to internship compensation, though no national minimum is set. Education Under Threat (Nigeria): In Niger State, a principal said terrorists repeatedly shut down schools and burned primary schools, demanding security as the main need.

Qatar Education Pipeline: Qatar’s MoEHE opened registration for the Tomouh Programme, aimed at training future teachers through higher education specialisations in Qatar and abroad, with applications running Nov 15–Dec 30. J&K Book Controversy: Jammu and Kashmir suspended eight School Education Department officials and ordered a high-level inquiry after two books were withdrawn for “inappropriate” separatist-linked content; the books had been supplied under the Samagra Shiksha library scheme. Kuwait Summer Learning: Kuwait’s Education Ministry restarted 27 evening summer school clubs, with registration opening Sunday and activities running Sunday–Thursday, including new scouting clubs. Maharashtra TET Leak Probe: India’s Maharashtra SIT arrested three more suspects in the TET paper leak case, bringing the total held to 10, while the alleged kingpin remains absconding. Nigeria Learning Assessment: Nigeria’s education minister says the National Learning Assessment will be held every three years to tackle learning poverty and improve literacy and numeracy. Equity & Access: Badakhshan (Afghanistan) reported free education for 6,000+ underprivileged students via English, computer, public speaking and calligraphy training.

Religious Education & Character Building: Malaysia’s Darul Quran JAKIM marks its 60th year, with Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan stressing tahfiz should grow well-rounded citizens, not just huffaz. Global School Recognition: Brazil has four finalists for the World’s Best School Prizes, including Amazon and Rio community schools competing in categories like Environmental Action and Overcoming Adversity. U.S. Civics Push: Ahead of America’s 250th, the U.S. Department of Education and partners launched a nationwide civics initiative, “Know America. Love America,” to boost civic literacy. Hospital Schooling in Sarawak: Sarawak launched a second School-in-Hospital programme at Miri Hospital to keep patients’ education going during treatment. Adolescent Health Education: Sarawak was picked as the launch state for Malaysia’s Pekerti reproductive and social health programme, starting with KafeTEEN for thousands of students. Teacher & Scholarship Wins: Illinois named Newark ag teacher Joseph Steffen Educator of the Year; Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation awarded $546,000 in scholarships. Online Safety Debate: A Kashmir schoolboy’s viral video questioning the education minister over summer vacation delays sparked child welfare scrutiny and calls about kids’ presence on social media. UK Higher-Education Funding Cut: The UK axed a £45m programme (SHEFE) meant to keep 1 million girls in higher education.

AI and Higher Ed Rethink: A University of Manchester study says universities must move beyond adding AI tools and redesign teaching and assessment around critical thinking, ethics, and communication. Special Education Pathways: Nebraska-Lincoln and the state honored 22 students who finished a one-year teacher apprenticeship to become special education teachers. Classroom-to-Field Coaching: A Georgia Southern education professor helped overhaul a soccer program using classroom learning techniques, tied to a national title. Literacy and Reading Culture: NEA named WNBA legend Helen Darling as a Read Across America ambassador to push age-appropriate diverse books nationwide. Accountability in School Funding: Florida’s education voucher spending faces scrutiny over weak tracking and accountability, raising questions before new proposals. Student Access and Disruption: Maharashtra reported 3.76 lakh FYJC admissions confirmed in the first round, while Mumbai’s civic bodies responded to major rain risks with school closures. Policy and Rights Battles: Arkansas’ Educational Rights Amendment failed to reach signature targets, while an Indiana doctoral student sued IU over alleged First Amendment violations.

School Safety via PTAs: Philippines’ Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged schools to fully use DepEd’s Omnibus PTA Guidelines to strengthen parent-teacher-community teamwork and prevent school-related violence. Hunter Education in Classrooms: Pennsylvania lawmakers approved a bill to let Hunter-Trapper Education be taught in schools for grades 6-12, with the state Game Commission leading the program. AI for Learning in Africa: The African Union’s AI strategy spotlights education, with IDRC-backed projects using AI-enabled tools like sign-language translation and accessible learning content for learners with disabilities. Distance Learning Access: India’s Distance Education School says it has helped 4 lakh+ students get reliable guidance for online and distance admissions. Public Education Pressure in West Virginia: West Virginia Democrats and candidates called for a special legislative session to address school funding, regulations, and prevent more school closures. UNICEF Yemen Support: UNICEF completed phase one of an education program in Hodeidah, delivering cash help to nearly 2,000 vulnerable families to keep 10,250 children learning. Maharashtra Admission Warnings: Maharashtra’s technical education directorate cautioned students against enrolling in unrecognised universities and unauthorised professional institutions. Exam Reform Debate (India): Reports say a committee is considering giving board exams 50% weight in NEET/JEE admissions to reduce high-stakes testing risks.

NEET & Testing Reform: India’s parliamentary panel backed a NEET-UG re-exam and pushed for giving the NTA statutory status, while urging a more inclusive computer-based testing approach that protects marginalised students. Religious Rights in Schools: Chhattisgarh High Court ruled students in government schools can’t be forced to recite Hindu prayers, with the state circular challenged over compulsion. Exam Security Scare: Bihar’s Bihar Board question papers reportedly appeared in rainwater in a viral video; officials say the claim is factually incorrect and blame the timing of distribution during heavy rain. School Choice & Parent Costs: Maharashtra announced enforcement against schools that force parents to buy books, uniforms, and supplies from specific shops, saying monitoring will tighten. Teacher Hiring Boost: Maharashtra also accelerated recruitment for 5,012 assistant professor posts and promised smoother NOCs for eligible colleges. Local Learning Support: York Public Schools in Nebraska is rolling out phonics-based reading training and new supports for struggling readers, while adding GPS bus tracking for families. Workforce Pipeline: CAREfair Nebraska 2026 is connecting job seekers with healthcare careers across the state. Education Funding Pressure: Ohio is investigating Columbus City Schools after the district flagged spring state testing scoring anomalies at two high schools.

School Safety Overhaul (Philippines): DepEd issued streamlined rules on school security, treating bomb threats and deadly weapons as critical offenses, with mandatory risk checks and mental health support for victims. Universal Free Education (India): Odisha’s cabinet cleared the “Gyanodaya” plan for free schooling from KG to PG for 32+ lakh students, with major funding over the next five years. TVET Push (Nigeria): NABTEB says TVET reforms are lifting technical college enrollment, stressing hands-on training that prepares graduates for jobs. AI in Literacy (Ghana): Channel One TV and Citi FM launched the 2026 Literacy Challenge, asking 11–15-year-olds to write letters on AI’s pros and cons in education. Inclusive Language (British Council): The British Council urged language-responsive education policies that support multilingual classrooms while building foundations in local languages and English. Higher-Ed Access (UK): England’s education chief says VAT on private school fees hasn’t caused a state-school “exodus,” even as independent enrollment fell. Security & Learning Disruption (Nigeria): Education groups condemned attacks on schools, including the abduction of students during exams in Borno.

Federal Higher Ed & Loans: The Trump administration’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act takes effect July 1, rolling out simpler federal student loan repayment options (a tiered standard plan and an income-based plan with lower payments and interest relief for on-time borrowers). Title IX Enforcement: The U.S. Department of Education wrapped up its second annual Title IX Month with new investigations and enforcement actions tied to sex discrimination in schools, including sports and access to intimate facilities. Immigration in Schooling: Florida’s Board of Education approved rules barring undocumented students from state colleges and adult GED programs, while Kansas districts face federal pressure over trans student privacy policies. State Policy Pushes: Colorado opened applications for up to $7,500 educator recruitment scholarships aimed at filling teacher shortage areas. Local Classroom Impact: Cincinnati Public Schools launched a Montessori Training Institute to credential new Montessori educators, and Hawaiʻi’s schools served nearly 145,000 free summer meals statewide. Teacher Pipeline & Workforce: Colorado’s educator recruitment program and multiple local initiatives underscore staffing pressure and new training pathways.

Religious Education Overhaul (Northern Ireland): Northern Ireland’s education department has released a draft Religious Education syllabus for public consultation after a Supreme Court ruling, aiming for “objective, critical and pluralist” teaching while still keeping Christianity central. State Power Shift (California): California’s new education governance plan strips authority from the elected state schools superintendent, moving oversight to a governor-appointed figure starting in January. New Education Laws (Florida): Nearly 140 Florida laws took effect July 1, including updates to high school diploma requirements, cursive instruction, teacher certification rules, and charter protections. Student Loan Reality Check (U.S.): A new explainer highlights how borrowers can pay down student debt faster by making extra principal payments and using strategies like bi-weekly payments. Lifesaving Training Expansion (U.S.): Safety Training Seminars opened its 100th California CPR/BLS certification school, adding more daily course access for schools and communities. Higher Ed Acceleration (Massachusetts): Merrimack College and Suffolk University plan three-year applied bachelor’s pilots, drawing debate over faster degrees versus breadth. IB Rollout (Bahrain): Bahrain trained 200 educators to support the Middle Years Programme as the country expands IB in government schools. Infrastructure Push (Namibia): Namibia says more than 500 education infrastructure projects are underway to cut overcrowding, with local procurement of school furniture to boost jobs. Safety Tragedy (Pakistan): At least 14 children died after a roof collapse at an educational center under construction in Lahore.

Digital Literacy Training: UNESCO’s Global Alliance for Literacy, with Huawei, launched a multilingual online course to boost digital competencies for literacy educators; about 10,000 teachers have joined since December 2025. Policy Overhaul in Nigeria: Nigeria’s education ministry says it will phase out the junior–senior secondary separation policy after data tied it to massive dropout losses during transitions. Higher-Ed & Testing Shakeup: ETS announced it will acquire ACT, aiming to expand education and workforce pathways beyond traditional standardized testing. Legal Fight Over Student Aid: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration’s PSLF employer rule is unlawful, striking down limits tied to a “substantial illegal purpose” test. Funding for Early Childhood: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed the FY2027 budget with nearly $200M for public education and a larger childcare support expansion via Purchase of Care. Community Schools Hit: The U.S. Department of Education ended Illinois “Full-Service Community Schools” grants starting July 1, threatening services that supported attendance and family engagement. STEM & Workforce Links: Motiva and Workforce Solutions hosted a teacher externship in Southeast Texas, helping educators build workplace-based lessons for the new school year. Local Access to Childcare: Klamath Community College received a $363,000 grant to expand its childcare learning center, supporting parents’ work and higher education. Attendance as Relationships: At ISTELive, educators argued chronic absenteeism needs relationship-building with students and families, with technology used to extend those connections.

Courtroom Crackdown: Indonesia’s former education minister Nadiem Makarim was sentenced to 10 years over alleged corruption in the procurement of Chromebook laptops for the education digitalisation programme, with restitution ordered after the court found state losses. Local School Safety: In Dumanjug, the mayor’s proposed cellphone ban and “no inspection, no entry” bag checks are being reviewed by DepEd officials before any rollout. Digital Education Push: Jordan’s “Ajyal” services inside the Sanad app are gaining traction, with millions of grade checks and certificate views reported since integration. Inclusive Pathways: Students with Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy graduated as teaching assistants in Israel, completing a vocational-academic track aimed at mainstream school support roles. Teacher Workload Debate: A new brief argues education reform often ignores the real constraint—time for teachers—calling for changes that make teaching more sustainable. Heatwave Rules: Pakistan’s education department bans summer camps in schools from July 1 to protect students during extreme temperatures. Higher Education Access: The Bahamas and UWI are in talks to expand medical training, with plans for a standalone medical school.

Funding & Research Continuity: UC San Diego researchers say pivot grants helped keep key health and human-subject work moving after federal cuts, including studies on insulin resistance and diabetes risk. Climate & Science Education: Scripps scientists traced Houston’s cloud-forming aerosol sources to a specific coal plant, underscoring how local industry shapes regional air and health. School Safety & Accountability: New Zealand’s Oranga Tamariki faced scrutiny after it took months to respond to serious child-safety concerns tied to Gloriavale homeschooling. Bullying & Student Wellbeing: Parents and students in Massapequa, US, urged action after reports of ongoing bullying and unsafe conditions. Attendance & Engagement: A Minnesota youth perspective argues chronic absenteeism is really an engagement problem, not just a classroom-doors issue. Screen-Time Guidance: UK/US-facing debate intensifies as calls grow for clearer screen-time rules in schools. AI & Learning: At ISTE, educators warned that students treat AI and social media as “truth,” pushing stronger news-literacy skills. Policy Shockwaves: Texas approved mandatory Bible readings, while Colorado’s Title IX sports case highlights disputes over how gender data is used. Digital Transformation: Kashmir University and Intel ran a workshop to help leaders build AI-ready higher education institutions.

Medical Education Policy: India is reviewing its NEET PG “zero percentile” cut-off for postgraduate admissions after fresh concerns that it could dilute medical training standards. Teacher Supply: Ghana plans to recruit 50 Arabic teachers by end-July, with an additional 500 permanent posts planned for January 2027 to ease staffing gaps in Islamic schools. Language Rules: Maharashtra makes Marathi compulsory from Classes 1 to 10 and says schools that don’t comply could face penalties up to losing recognition. Student Support & Inclusion: Ireland approved a new ASD class at Coolarne National School, adding capacity for local special education needs. STEM & Edtech: China launched an “AI + Education Action Plan” aiming for full AI curriculum integration by 2030, while Armenia’s Ucom and CIPR AeroSpace will roll out “Cosmos/Space 1.0” in 15 schools. School Meals: Japan funds WFP school meals in Somalia for over 14,000 children through Feb 2027. Learning Access: The U.S. Department of Education says staffing cuts may limit its ability to administer federal education programs and oversight.

Exam Integrity & Policy: Bangladesh’s education minister Milon tabled a bill to tighten rules on public exam offences, including question leaks and digital cheating, while also warning against HSC leak rumours and promising surveillance and legal action. Equity in Schooling: Jamaica’s education ministry condemned Ascot Primary School’s reported decision to deny graduation gowns to students based on PEP results, calling it inconsistent with equity and inclusion. Funding & Access: Qatar’s MOEHE announced 3,000+ free private-school seats for eligible Qatari students via the Maarif platform, and Brazil’s spending-cap amendment debate continues to raise alarms about long-term education funding. STEM in Action: Trinidad and Tobago announced plans to expand STEM education alongside a national FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament. Digital Learning & AI: ISTE CEO Richard Culatta urged educators to focus on “screen value” over screen time as districts push for AI-ready graduates. Higher Education Rankings: Davao Region (Philippines) added five new HEIs to the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. Community Learning: UNESCO backed Sudan’s first education-sector climate change strategy, linking climate resilience to safer, future-ready schooling.