Challenges facing modern education systems

by Bernadette AchiengSeptember 26, 20266 links · ~36 min read · ~1 min for the TL;DR

Office Hours by Bernadette Achieng: six links on Education every week.

TL;DR

Wealthier students often achieve higher SAT scores, leading to questions about the test's effectiveness as an accurate measure of student ability.
In Fairfax County, Virginia, 180 days of instruction are stretched over 297 days due to various breaks and holidays, meaning students do not receive more actual school time.
Schools are adjusting to changes in free lunch program eligibility following recent budget cuts.
France and Germany are among the European countries experiencing falling scores in global PISA studies, which measure how well 15-year-olds apply school learning to life.
Several U.S. states are considering or have already implemented requirements to increase time for unstructured play and recess during the school day.
Jobs for the Future president Maria Flynn highlights the importance of early career exposure and baseline AI literacy in preparing young people for the future of work.

From the curator

Education systems are currently managing significant pressures ranging from assessment equity and funding to the structure of the school day. The Conversation article by Beth Kania-Gosche notes that wealthier students tend to score higher on the SAT, raising questions about the test's accuracy as a barometer. Meanwhile, the 74million.org article by Chad Aldeman points out that while the academic year is getting longer, students in Fairfax County, Virginia, are not receiving more instruction because 180 days of school are spread across 297 days.

Bernadette Achieng

Curated for this issue

The Conversation5 min readThe SAT has changed since it debuted 100 years ago – but questions remain about its relevance
Wealthier students tend to score higher on the SAT than other groups of students, raising questions about how accurate of a barometer the test actually is.

Beth Kania-Gosche · curated 1 time

the74million.org5 min readThe Academic Year Is Getting Longer, But Students Aren’t Getting More School
Aldeman: With vacation breaks, long weekends and religious holidays, 180 days of instruction in Fairfax County, Virginia, stretch out over 297 days.

Chad Aldeman · curated 1 time

edsurge.com7 min readSchools Scramble as Budget Cuts Force Reset of Free Lunch Programs
Parents, students and schools alike are navigating the changes in CEP eligibility after funding cuts.

the Guardian5 min readEuropean education powerhouses rocked by falling scores in global study
France and Germany among countries with low Pisa scores, which show how well 15-year-olds use school learning in life

the74million.org8 min readSchool Is Back in Session, and Recess Is Having a Moment
Several states are considering requiring more time for recess, and some have already expanded the role of unstructured play in a child’s school day.

Emily Tate Sullivan · curated 1 time

edsurge.com5 min readNavigating the Future of Work: A Conversation with JFF’s Maria Flynn
From baseline AI literacy to early career exposure, Jobs for the Future president Maria Flynn shares how education systems can prepare young people for ...

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From the curator

The Conversation5 min readThe SAT has changed since it debuted 100 years ago – but questions remain about its relevanceWealthier students tend to score higher on the SAT than other groups of students, raising questions about how accurate of a barometer the test actually is.

the74million.org5 min readThe Academic Year Is Getting Longer, But Students Aren’t Getting More SchoolAldeman: With vacation breaks, long weekends and religious holidays, 180 days of instruction in Fairfax County, Virginia, stretch out over 297 days.

edsurge.com7 min readSchools Scramble as Budget Cuts Force Reset of Free Lunch ProgramsParents, students and schools alike are navigating the changes in CEP eligibility after funding cuts.

the Guardian5 min readEuropean education powerhouses rocked by falling scores in global studyFrance and Germany among countries with low Pisa scores, which show how well 15-year-olds use school learning in life

the74million.org8 min readSchool Is Back in Session, and Recess Is Having a MomentSeveral states are considering requiring more time for recess, and some have already expanded the role of unstructured play in a child’s school day.

edsurge.com5 min readNavigating the Future of Work: A Conversation with JFF’s Maria FlynnFrom baseline AI literacy to early career exposure, Jobs for the Future president Maria Flynn shares how education systems can prepare young people for ...