AGP Executive Report

Curriculum Reform Watch: Scotland’s education secretary Màiri McAllan says a major Curriculum for Excellence overhaul will bring “rigour and excellence” after PISA declines, but critics warn the government lacks a clear definition of “knowledge.” Classroom Tech Backlash: New South Wales will cap daily screen time from 2027 (as low as 15 minutes for early years) as reading and writing fall, joining similar moves in Victoria. Student Safety in Disasters: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood has affected 9,428 children across 32 schools, with displacement, missing students, and calls for child-focused protection and media sensitivity. Marine Protection Reality Check: A global study from Australia’s University of Tasmania finds most marine protected areas deliver little real ecological recovery—under 2%—because protections often exist “on paper.” Higher Ed Expansion: University of Bristol opens its first international campus in Mumbai, launching data science and finance-focused degrees. US International Students: New F-1/J-1 visa stay rules begin Sept. 15, ending “duration of status” for many and forcing students to track fixed admission end dates.

Higher Education Access (Malaysia): Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Higher Education to coordinate with universities to consider free flight tickets for B40 students studying outside their home districts, after concerns about high airfares burdening students from Sabah and Sarawak. Student Support for Disabilities (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister presented certificates and Rs.100,000 each to 50 university students with disabilities through the President’s Fund, praising their perseverance. K-12 Safety (India): In Bihar, more than 20 students reportedly fell ill after a midday meal; families claimed a lizard (and possibly a chameleon) was found in a student’s plate, and authorities are investigating. New Learning Pathways (India): Odisha launched a dual-mode vocational education initiative linking OSEPA and OUAT to deliver hands-on agriculture training in 26 PM SHRI secondary schools. Curriculum Expansion (Bahrain): Bahrain’s first government-school IB cohort has started classes in 16 selected schools, with plans to feed into the IB Diploma by 2031. Arts & Community (US): New Orleans’ Feel the Rhythm of the Drums festival returns Oct. 3, bringing African and Afro-Caribbean performers to Bywater’s Music Box Village. Education & Equity (US): Michigan’s Clippert Academy reported Hispanic students as 88.9% of enrollment in 2024-25, highlighting how district demographics shape school communities.

International Student Policy: The Philippines launched EduPhil, a new program meant to attract and coordinate international higher education, research, and training, with an interagency task force led by the Commission on Higher Education. Family Engagement & Learning: DepEd urged parents to talk more with children about school after PISA 2025 showed fewer Filipino students report weekly conversations about school activities and problems. AI Governance: UNESCO convened a forum in Riyadh on ethical AI governance, highlighting tools like its AI ethics readiness assessments and support for national AI strategies. School Safety & Tech Use: Denmark moved toward a full ban on phones in schools, citing PISA-linked concerns about screen distraction. Student Support & Costs: Mississippi reported the highest student loan default rate in the U.S., underscoring pressure on borrowers. Higher Ed & Global Talent: Shenzhen is pushing industry-university links in new energy vehicles and AI, aiming to build a world-class automotive hub. Commemoration in Schools: Across the U.S., schools and universities marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with memorial climbs, exhibits, and classroom projects focused on education and remembrance.

Higher Ed Policy: The UK Department for Education says it is “considering the merits” of expanding exemptions from the international student levy, which would charge universities £925 per international student beyond a 220-recruit cap starting 2028-29. Enrollment Trends: The Universities of Wisconsin report fall 2026 enrollment at 163,260 (down ~1% overall), with most of the decline tied to fewer international students. Student Finance: A new explainer weighs who should be the primary borrower on education loans—parent vs. student—highlighting how lenders assess future earnings and eligibility. AI in Learning: The OECD finds “moderate” AI use in school (about monthly to weekly) is linked to stronger performance in some subjects, while very frequent or rare use correlates with lower scores. Global Education Partnerships: Tanzania invites partners to support education reforms and says it will send 150 top STEM students to Algeria under the Samia Scholarship. International Student Recruitment: The Philippines launches the EduPhil program to attract foreign students for higher education, research, and training. Education Infrastructure: Ghana plans to upgrade 20 Category B senior high schools to Category A and build 10 new model Category A schools, backed by World Bank funding.

Climate & Equity: UNICEF says extreme weather disrupted schooling for 171 million students in 106 countries last year, with girls at higher risk of dropping out due to damaged schools, displacement, and added caregiving burdens that can also raise child-marriage risks. Higher Ed Policy: The Philippines launches “Education Philippines” (EduPhil) to market universities abroad and speed up foreign-student entry via a five-year international promotion strategy and a more unified digital system. Student Mobility: Australia reports a 10-year high student visa refusal rate (24.2% in June 2026), with Nepal and India applicants facing especially high refusals tied to stricter “Genuine Student” assessments. Admissions & Access: Venezuela’s education ministry says 237,754 high school graduates were assigned to universities under the SIN, alongside new actions to manage admission complexity. International Cooperation: Qatar and Education Above All mark the UN Day to Protect Education from Attack, stressing preparedness, alternative learning, and accountability. Campus Life & Community: Purdue students raised funds for Nepal after devastating floods, sending donations through the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. Digital Readiness: Pakistan’s HEC discusses a roadmap for digital readiness and AI integration in universities, including new AI-focused course pathways.

Workforce & Career Guidance: Bahrain’s Tamkeen is bringing its “Career World” interactive platform to City Centre Bahrain, helping students and parents explore 160+ professions with labor-market data and booking for career counselling. Higher Education Access: Malaysia’s BAC Education Group and ZICO Trust Malaysia signed a three-year scholarship MOU for 10 B40 students in law, accounting/finance, and business, with tuition support and a post-graduation employment bond. Climate & School Safety: Nepal’s flash floods after a glacier collapse have disrupted schooling and essential services for tens of thousands, with UNICEF warning of widening climate risks and inequality. School Tragedy: In eastern DR Congo, a fire spread from a house to two schools, killing at least 24 students and trapping others as exits proved too narrow. Mental Health in Schools: Nagaland marked World Suicide Prevention Day with campus and school awareness sessions focused on “Changing the Narrative,” plus SRGBV sensitization in Kigwema. Policy & Curriculum Reform: Bangladesh’s president called for a culture- and jobs-aligned overhaul of education, while Nagaland launched a broader school quality assessment pilot beyond exam results. EdTech & Learning Design: LEAP Innovations selected 13 edtech providers for its 2026-2027 Design Collective, prioritizing equitable, student-centered learning and privacy. Campus Life & Support: USC hosted a free hibachi event for about 50 first-year international students to ease the transition through community-building. International Education Pressure: Reporting highlights new U.S. restrictions affecting undocumented and international students, adding uncertainty to higher-ed planning. Workplace Culture: Sunway Group earned Great Place To Work certification again, citing improved staff “welcome” experiences across its education and other divisions.

International Education Policy: UNESCO says attacks on schools jumped 33% in 2025, with 1,680 verified incidents and 258 million children and teens affected by crisis disruptions. Student Well-Being: Arizona State University highlights Suicide Prevention Month with peer-listening and bystander training programs aimed at supporting students and reducing stigma. Learning Outcomes Debate: In the Philippines, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers warns that improved PISA results don’t reflect poverty’s impact on learners and educators, arguing rankings miss local realities. Teacher Workload: Estonia’s education ministry is commissioning a €70,000 study to map teachers’ tasks and time use, aiming to fit workload within legal working hours. AI & Skills: Google will invest €13 billion in Finland to build AI infrastructure and fund AI upskilling with local colleges, including training for 100 students. Higher Ed & Mobility: South Korea reports foreign students and trainees surpassed 500,000 for the first time, driven by K-culture demand. Safety Training: The University of Huddersfield uses VR to train student paramedics for mass-casualty emergencies. Climate Context: August 2026 was the hottest month on record, underscoring the growing pressure on education systems and communities.

Education Under Attack: Qatar’s education minister marked Sept. 9 by warning that attacks on schooling are at record levels, citing thousands of incidents and mass disruption across conflict zones. International Assessments: Philippines lawmakers praised PISA 2025 gains, while Malaysia is rolling out a Mathematics Misconceptions Module to fix weak reasoning and concept mastery. Literacy Push: International Literacy Day coverage emphasized literacy as a broad set of real-world competencies, not just reading and writing. Digital Learning & Skills: India’s digital public infrastructure is framed as a new form of diplomacy, and Malaysia’s PISA-linked reforms highlight teacher retraining and support. STEM & Hands-On Learning: Kentucky schools won national energy education honors; Otsego Middle School received a grant to build a manufacturing and engineering lab. Student Safety & Wellbeing: A University of Iowa marching band student died after cardiac arrest during a game. Higher Ed & Research: JETRO and Purdue signed an MOU to expand U.S.-Japan innovation collaboration, including AI and semiconductors. Climate & Community: Nepal’s glacier-flood recovery plan is being positioned as climate justice for donor support.

PISA Update (Philippines): The Philippines says its 2025 gains mark a turnaround from 2022, rising to 15th from the bottom in science, 17th in math and 19th in reading, with mean score jumps of 17, 16 and 20 points respectively. International Literacy Day (Global): UNESCO’s 60th anniversary theme—“Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity”—highlights that 739 million adults and young people still lack basic literacy, with women most affected. International Literacy Day (India): Himachal Pradesh reports 99.55% literacy under ULLAS and receives a national award. PISA Debate (Scotland/UK): Scotland’s education leaders defend “real strengths” as critics argue the curriculum shift away from knowledge-based learning is behind declines. Higher Ed/Research Ethics (Europe–Israel): A new investigation finds dozens of European universities kept partnerships with Israeli defense-linked entities despite promises to cut ties, including potentially dual-use projects. AI & Schools (Finland/US): Finland warns of a deepfake crisis reaching schools, while US districts face renewed pressure over AI use in classrooms. School Disruption (Jamaica): Sandals Foundation backs a $214M restoration of hurricane-damaged schools, aiming to get students back to learning. Workforce Training (US): Arizona State University joins the Foundry School effort to connect advanced manufacturing investment with engineering and leadership training. Tech in Learning (US): A federal lawsuit challenges a district’s push to make internet-connected devices mandatory during school hours.

PISA Momentum in Southeast Asia: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said PISA 2025 gains show education progress, citing higher science, math and reading scores and crediting teachers, parents and communities. Family as a Learning Engine: Malaysia’s education minister urged parents to look up from phones and support children’s emotional and academic growth, framing PISA results as more than rankings. Skills Pipeline Pressure: A World Bank report warns South Africa’s digital-skills training doesn’t match employer demand, highlighting shortages in software, networks and cybersecurity. Literacy Day Push: Venezuela marked International Literacy Day with claims of major progress under national missions, while Trinidad and Tobago launched a child-friendly book donation drive for schools. Inclusive Schooling: England’s LIFE Education Trust approved a new rural specialist school, The Haefen, offering small classes, outdoor learning and trauma-informed support for children with additional needs. Student Safety and Policy: UK visa rules tightened for Nigerian students, including eVisa changes and higher financial thresholds. Education and Conflict: UNIFIL’s Lebanon mandate is set to end in 2026, with the Security Council expected to decide the next phase.

Higher Education Funding Pressure: A U.S. higher-ed shakeup is leaving students facing longer paths to degrees as colleges cut majors and staffing, with international students and research funding under added strain. School Safety & Infrastructure: Delhi’s PG hostel collapse killed DU students and triggered arrests, suspended officials, and citywide safety audits for student housing. Inclusive Education: Research from Trinidad and Tobago highlights barriers for students with disabilities, from inaccessible school design to bullying and missing support services. Peace Education in Schools: Timor-Leste is expanding peace education nationwide after 25 months of cooperation to embed it from higher education into primary and secondary systems. Literacy Focus: UNESCO marks International Literacy Day with 88% adult literacy globally, but 739 million adults still lacking basic skills. Global Citizenship Curriculum: Punjab, Pakistan plans a new 100-mark Global Citizenship subject in schools with UNICEF support. Conflict & Education Protection: A report warns attacks on schools and universities rose over 40% in 2024–25, pushing the need for prevention and resilience. Cambridge School Expansion: Sunshine State Academy in Florida becomes a Cambridge International School, joining a network across 160 countries. Youth Civic Engagement: Philippines’ PETA uses interactive theatre in schools to turn civic education into hands-on decision-making.

Skills-for-work push (Philippines): President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged schools and businesses to align education and training with a changing labor market, citing ADB findings on mismatches between graduates’ jobs and their training. Bullying response (Philippines): Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is fast-tracking school counselor hiring and training teachers to curb bullying, while also stressing family roots of the problem. Education quality debate (Philippines): Angara told lawmakers the country is “middle-of-the-pack” in SEA education quality and pointed to Vietnam’s teacher-focused reforms. Disruption from extreme weather (Japan): Heavy rain forced 3,661 school closures across 11 prefectures, with major train slowdowns in the Tokyo area. Student affordability (Australia): Universities Australia wants concession cards expanded to all university students and equal public-transport discounts for international students. Higher-ed and global recognition (Philippines): The Senate approved international resolutions including one on recognizing qualifications in higher education. Safety and infrastructure (India): Delhi’s building collapse death toll rose to five, including students, as rescue efforts continued. STEM and AI talent (Nigeria/UAE): Nigeria’s NITDA ran an AI/robotics bootcamp for students, while UAE private education officials visited schools to ensure a smooth 2026–27 start.

Bullying & student wellbeing: Philippines’ DepEd says it has fast-tracked hiring more school counselors and shortened the counselor-associate hiring pipeline to 30 days, while training teachers and strengthening child-protection mechanisms. STEM push: Malaysia’s science minister backs stronger STEM education through school-to-university-industry collaboration, using initiatives like the National Science Challenge 2026 to build critical thinking and problem-solving. Higher-ed partnerships: Malaysia and Vietnam are encouraging higher-education consortia focused on strategic fields, with emphasis on expertise sharing and student mobility. Maps & education content: The UN General Assembly endorsed “Correct the Map,” backing equal-area world maps that better reflect Africa’s true size—an outcome that could ripple into classroom materials and digital navigation. International Literacy Day: UNESCO marks Sept. 8’s 60th International Literacy Day with the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” Learning innovation: Eindhoven University of Technology students unveiled Stella Juva, the world’s first solar-powered road-legal ambulance designed to deliver healthcare in remote areas even after sunset. School infrastructure upgrades: Scotland’s Fettes College plans a “world-class” science and innovation hub after a major donation, while Ghana’s Abrantie College won Best Catering School of the Year for industry-focused training. Teacher ethics: China’s education ministry says teacher conduct and professional ethics will be prioritized in evaluation, with streamlined complaint handling and legal support for teachers.

International Student Support: Malaysia’s Education Malaysia Global Services won the Student Support Award for its 24/7 International Student Arrival Centre at KLIA, offering immigration guidance, priority lanes, transport, and welcome kits. Disaster & School Safety: Nepal’s flash floods have killed at least 1,341 people, with thousands of mothers in crowded camps lacking privacy, safe feeding spaces, and child vaccination services; in Indonesia, Mount Anak Krakatau ash disrupted flights and halted some school activities. Education Quality & Accountability: Nagaland’s CAG audit flags 30 pending misappropriation/defalcation cases worth Rs 1,214.37 crore, with many unresolved for years, while local groups in Nagaland press for faster, higher-quality road delivery and clearer documentation on project closures. Student Life Under Pressure: Delhi’s Satya Niketan boys’ hostel collapse sparked political blame and rescue efforts as trapped students sent SOS videos; meanwhile, teachers in Egypt begin receiving monthly allowances after training, and Greece expands school upgrades and IB pilots. Global Maps in Classrooms: The UN backed Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution to use equal-area projections, with India voting in favor and the US opposing. Learning Through Creativity: Nagaland wrapped a Hindi creative writing camp at Nagaland University, and schools elsewhere highlight student-led projects like a dolphin-protection tech plan and a cancer biology card game.

Higher Education Access: Malaysia says more than 600 Orang Asli students are now in universities and colleges nationwide, up from an initial target of 200, as government support aims to boost social mobility. Teacher Workforce: Qatar opened an electronic professional licensing system for teachers, coordinators and school leaders, with applications running Sept. 3–10 and licenses tied to assessed real-world practice. Private School Support: Qatar’s private education community responsibility project has expanded to 16,500 free or discounted seats across 120+ schools and kindergartens, including full-tuition support for students with disabilities. Climate and Learning: A new MoU links Qatar’s Gulf Organisation for Research and Development with five Korean universities to integrate sustainability assessment modules into degree curricula. Student Life and Safety: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption suspended 209 flights at Jakarta’s main airport and disrupted school activities and fishing, while officials say there’s no imminent tsunami risk. Global Education Context: The UN backed a new world map using the Equal Earth projection to better reflect Africa’s true size, with the US as the lone objector.

School Safety & Character Education: The Philippines’ DepEd is revising school-based Scouting rules to make programs more inclusive and focused on character building, leadership, and learner well-being. Misinformation & History Teaching: A Muslim schools leader says children should be taught to challenge 9/11 conspiracy theories, stressing “human cost” and teaching with honesty and historical rigor. Disaster Risk & Preparedness: Nagaland honored teachers with School Safety Excellence Awards for turning disaster preparedness into daily practice, including earthquake drills and awareness drives. Education in Emergencies: The UN is urging $600 million for its Education Cannot Wait fund to support 10 million crisis-affected children from 2027–2030, warning 258 million students face education disruption. Global Maps & Learning: Togo-backed UN action will push schools to consider equal-area map projections to better reflect Africa’s true size; the US voted against. Student Privacy Concerns: University of Michigan students are split over a plan to hide first-semester grades for incoming freshmen, citing mental health but raising concerns about preparedness. Special Education Funding: Jamaica’s Digicel Foundation plans major upgrades to the Port Maria Special Education Unit, adding proper classrooms and facilities.