AGP Executive Report

School Safety & Health: The Philippines will roll out first-ever “active shooter” drills after the Tacloban school shooting, while the UK updates heatwave school-closure guidance with practical steps to keep learning going safely. Feeding & Wellbeing: In Bulacan, the Marcos administration expanded its school-based feeding program for Kindergarten and Grade 1, targeting rising stunting. Learning Outcomes: Louisiana’s 2025-26 LEAP results show continued gains, including more students meeting standards across subjects. STEM & Higher Education: India’s AISHE report says STEM enrolment has crossed 1 crore, with women’s participation rising; Qatar launches an employment-linked digital transformation scholarship pathway. Teaching & Recruitment: Himachal Pradesh is recruiting 3,468 teachers for CBSE-affiliated government schools. Sustainability in Schools: Baguio schools are using a UNDP-backed circular economy handbook to teach recycling and reuse. AI in Education: Brown University faces renewed scrutiny after a suspected AI-cheating pattern between take-home and in-person exams. Community & Access: West Virginia superintendents launch the “I Love WV Public Schools” campaign, and repair-café groups get grant support for school outreach.

School Governance & Accountability: Philippines’ DepEd signed a partnership with the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals to act as an independent observer for its school infrastructure PPPs, aiming to strengthen transparency and monitoring. Student Safety: Malaysia’s GPMS urged mandatory mental health screenings in schools after a stabbing incident, alongside peer support and fast-track counselling referrals. Violence Prevention: In South Cotabato, a 16-year-old was arrested after allegedly bringing a loaded 9mm pistol to a public school, with the case referred for child protection intervention. AI in Education Policy: Kenai Peninsula school board members previewed proposed district AI rules covering academic honesty and student data privacy, building on state guidance. Workforce-Focused Higher Ed: Upper Iowa University announced new bachelor’s degrees in digital marketing, project management and public health, plus added business analytics emphasis in its MBA. Education Funding & Growth: Bloomsburg University Foundation wrapped a record-breaking $100M campaign, topping $103.7M for scholarships and student programs. Tech & Skills Partnerships: Kwara State launched an AWS re/Start cloud computing training for 30 youths, targeting entry-level careers. Sports & School Rules: NFHS approved high school baseball changes, including an option for an 18-inch first base to improve player safety. Local Leadership: Denver’s superintendent Alex Marrero was reportedly not selected as a Miami-Dade semifinalist, after a requirement for teaching experience.

School Feeding Expansion (Philippines): President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara kicked off an expanded School-Based Feeding Program in Bulacan, moving to universal meals for Kindergarten and Grade 1 and extending support to wasted or severely wasted learners in Grades 2–6, as stunting rose to 25.3% among under-fives. School Nutrition & Local Supply (Philippines): The rollout also includes milk feeding and a push to source food from local suppliers to support community businesses. Student Film Opportunity (Philippines): The Metro Manila Film Festival revived its short film competition for high school and college students nationwide, inviting 5-minute entries. Higher Ed Access (Namibia): Namibia reported 97,333 higher-education enrollments in 2025, split between public (50,941) and private (46,392) institutions. Inclusive Education Funding (Ghana): Ghana announced GH¢100m annually via GETFund for free special needs education from 2027/28, including higher feeding grants and assistive devices. Legal Rights for Teachers (India): India’s Madras High Court ruled a woman teacher can’t be denied posting to a boys’ school, ordering authorities to reconsider the transfer. Campus Sustainability (US): Michigan State University highlighted rising takeout waste on campuses as students keep convenience habits post-pandemic. Education Finance Debate (South Korea): South Korea’s education and budget ministries clashed over reforming a tax-linked school funding grant amid falling student numbers. University Leadership (UK): University of Bradford named Prof. Gillian Murray as vice-chancellor, framing her start as a “new era” for innovation and partnerships.

School Safety & Support: After the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, a special program brought emotional support to students as face-to-face classes resumed, with DepEd backing continued psychosocial interventions. Safe Schools Policy: Malaysia’s Education Ministry was urged to strengthen its Safe School Policy nationwide after a stabbing incident in Banting, calling for whole-school safeguarding, clear reporting procedures, and regular staff training. Education Infrastructure Funding: The Philippines’ Economy and Development Council approved changes to public school safety projects in Metro Manila, including upgrades tied to seismic risk reduction and resilience. STEM & Workforce Pathways: The Twenty Four Foundation launched “Built Different: The STEM Accelerator,” using motorsports as a hands-on classroom to connect underserved youth to engineering, AI, and data science careers. Learning Through Culture: Malaysia announced an inaugural National 24 Festival Drums Primary School Invitational in Ipoh, aiming to boost co-curricular learning while preserving cultural heritage. Health in Education: Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation partnered to expand inclusive endurance sports programs for students, with a focus on accessibility needs and girls’ participation.

School Safety & Violence Prevention: The Psychological Association of the Philippines urged schools and policymakers to build long-term, coordinated mental health and child-protection systems after a Tacloban City shooting and other incidents. Court & Police Response: In Malaysia, a 15-year-old suspect in the stabbing of a Form Three student in Banting was remanded for four days; the suspect is said to have autism. Infrastructure Checks After Earthquakes: Venezuela’s education authorities are inspecting school buildings in Valles del Tuy after the June 24 earthquakes, with some campuses restricted under red alert. Weather Disruptions: Mumbai schools and colleges were shut again after an IMD orange alert for heavy rain and strong winds; similar closures hit Surat and parts of Karnataka. Access to Learning & Support: A foundation launched early childhood education and healthcare initiatives in Papua and Inu villages, while Martin County’s Education Foundation invested about $1.4M, including a book vending machine program. Teacher/Student Updates: Tamil Nadu released SSLC re-evaluation results and provisional HTET answer keys. Partnerships & Health Education: GCU and JMU donated a defibrillator to Manhyia Hospital; UNESCO held a Jamaica HFLE validation meeting. Funding & Grants: Nigeria’s private schools rejected new graduation guidelines, while tribes can apply for up to $300,000 in tourism grants.

School Safety & Mental Health: In Tacloban, the San Jose National High School reopened after the June 22 shooting, with DepEd reinforcing security (CCTV, metal detectors, fencing, police presence) and shifting early classes to psychosocial support. Threat Response: Silliman University in Dumaguete said it received a bomb threat, activated safety protocols, and evacuated students from campus buildings and dormitories while police secured the area. Weather Disruptions: Maharashtra’s Nashik district ordered all schools and colleges closed July 7 ahead of IMD warnings of cloudburst-like heavy rain, with emergency teams on alert. Institutional Wind-Down: UK’s Ruthin School began winding down after administrators were appointed, with most staff made redundant as the centuries-old school closes. Policy & Access: South Africa’s TotalEnergies reported education-focused community programmes reaching thousands of learners through school partnerships and tutoring. Learning Partnerships: ESOL Premier Campus in Sri Lanka launched OCN London pathways, bringing UK-accredited qualifications (Levels 3–7) to students and professionals without travel. Local School Support: Waterloo Regional Police in Canada renewed its Backpack Challenge to collect supplies and donations for students ahead of the fall term.

School Safety & Recovery: Tacloban’s San Jose National High School reopened after a June 22 mass shooting, shifting early classes toward psychosocial healing while adding metal detectors, bag checks, CCTV and extra police; two classrooms tied to the attack won’t be used for lessons. Learning Continuity Under Threats: Camarines Norte suspended classes after reported school security threats, with authorities verifying social media messages and using alternative delivery to keep learning going. Assessment Reform: Malaysia’s Education Ministry says its Year 4 Learning Matrix 2026 is meant for early support, not ranking pupils or schools, using results to target interventions before secondary school. Private Education Expansion: Qatar will expand evening study options in private schools, with 37 branches now offering evening classes under the same standards as morning schooling. Funding & Partnerships: Saudi’s Knowledge Economic City secured $40.4m Shariah-compliant financing for an educational complex in Madinah, while India’s UGC urged HEIs to integrate SWAYAM MOOCs for the July 2026 semester. Weather Disruptions: Mumbai’s monsoon red alert led Mumbai University to cancel July 6 exams and shut schools/colleges, with transport disrupted and Dabbawalas suspending deliveries.

School Safety Disruptions: Camarines Norte suspended classes after reports of social-media security threats, with police verifying messages and schools shifting to alternative delivery. Weather-Driven Closures: Mumbai and parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region shut schools and colleges on July 6 after IMD orange alerts for heavy rain and strong winds, with similar closures in Thane and Navi Mumbai. Education Infrastructure Push: Johor’s federal government approved 27 new schools (RM2.3B) plus classroom and preschool expansion, while Delhi’s Mission Kayakalp nears completion to fix leaking roofs, toilets, labs, and water facilities. Learning & Inclusion Milestones: Scotland’s Doonfoot Primary earned Reading Schools core accreditation, and the Sheiling School in Ringwood marked 75 years supporting SEND learners with personalised education and care. Higher Ed & Skills: Warwick climbed to 68th in the 2027 QS rankings, and Assam expanded youth training for global jobs via Japanese language and skill centres. Funding & Grants: Bahrain extended applications for the NBH Future Energy Leaders scholarship to July 16, and Pakistan’s industry minister approved a Rs570m grant for restoring Sargodha’s small industrial estate infrastructure.

STEM Push in Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education says it’s building four new STEM secondary schools next year to lift science-specialisation graduates and expand scholarships and placements. Inclusive Access in the UK: University of Worcester hosted a visual impairment open day to help students plan support early and experience campus adaptations. School Quality Checks in England: Hinchingbrooke School earned an Ofsted “strong” rating across key areas, highlighting wellbeing, inclusion, and a sense of community. Education Funding and Equity in Ghana: A parliamentary committee raised concerns about steep distance-education fees, while former education minister Adutwum urged universities to align programmes with labour-market needs. Child Safety and Accountability in Nigeria: Osun State University rejected parts of the Nigerian Army’s handling of alleged sexual assault claims and moved toward legal action. Learning and Health in Uganda: Nabisunsa Girls’ School switched from firewood to LPG through Vivo Energy’s clean-cooking rollout. Childhood Cancer Research: Oxford and the Little Princess Trust launched a new paediatric oncology professorship to speed safer treatments.

Medical Education Investment: Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa University launched a new Faculty Complex with Rs. 2,876m from the government plus Saudi Fund for Development support, including a US$50m boost, alongside funding for buildings, equipment and AHEAD academic resources. Infrastructure for Learning: Bangladesh’s education and public health push includes a 100,000-litre water reservoir foundation stone at Kakraid High School in Madhupur, as officials link safer facilities to better schooling. Inclusive Schooling Recognition: Pakistan’s ICT-PEIRA honored private schools hitting 100% compliance on inclusive education goals, including need-based scholarships and support for out-of-school children. Life Skills in Class: Dubai will roll out “Skills for Life” across 2026-27, teaching mental well-being, financial literacy, relationships and digital resilience from early years to adulthood. Community Support for Students: Ghana’s Accra Metropolitan Assembly distributed 997 desks to eight public schools, while a Ghana bank refurbishment project upgraded classrooms and sanitation at La-Bawaleshie Presby ‘2’ Basic School. Access for Disabled Learners: A nonprofit in Oregon won $170k for an accessible “Belonging Bus” to expand field trips for students with complex disabilities. Scholarships: IFDA’s Educational Foundation named 10 design scholarship winners for 2026, awarding $27,500 total. Education Policy Debate: Arizona’s Apache Junction district discussed library/media policy changes restricting sexually explicit materials and setting opt-out procedures.

School Safety & Policy: Scotland refreshed guidance ahead of proposed phone-free school legislation, urging mobile restrictions during teaching time while allowing exemptions for medical needs and caring responsibilities. Higher Education Innovation: Indonesia’s culture minister urged universities to build museums as living education and research hubs, highlighting ITB’s museum as a model. STEM & Skills Development: Ghana’s CTVET endorsed GH Schools’ 24-hour training model to support upskilling and reskilling aligned with a 24-hour economy push. University Pathways: IIT Kharagpur announced a double major option and its first B Tech pass degree batch at convocation. Community Support for Learning: Elk River-area groups launched a July 5–31 school supply drive, with a Community Backpack event set for Aug. 8. Education Funding & Access: Nigeria’s Almajiri and out-of-school children commission earmarked N1.4billion for road projects in Ogun State, while University of Maiduguri said June salaries are delayed due to missing federal cash backing. Student Wellbeing & Learning Environment: Monmouthshire released a video promoting late immersion into Welsh-medium education, and Oxford University Science Park hosted a free Science Wonder Garden Party for families.

School Safety & PTA Mobilization: Philippines Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged schools to fully use DepEd’s Omnibus PTA Guidelines to prevent school-related violence by strengthening ties between families, teachers, and local partners. Bomb Threat Response: In Eastern Samar, classes resumed at Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School after police cleared the campus following bomb and gun threats, though attendance stayed low as parents remained worried. Policy & Health Protection: Maharashtra announced a ban on energy drink sales within 500 metres of schools, with officials promising strict action under existing laws. Curriculum & Skills Push: St. Kitts and Nevis and Hamburg signed a skills partnership declaration to expand future-ready workforce development, including STEM and vocational pathways. Education Funding Reality Check: Canada’s Ontario reported that most of a core education funding “boost” is shifted from existing programs, leaving limited truly new money. Higher Ed & Partnerships: Uzbekistan and Georgia elevated ties to a strategic partnership, including cooperation covering vocational and higher education, science, and innovation. Student Support & Compliance: Kaduna, Nigeria, launched D-NEMIS to move education planning toward real-time digital reporting and credible data.

Higher-Education Research Funding: Japan’s Kyoto University is set to be certified as an International University for Research Excellence, unlocking major government subsidies and a planned shift from small lab units to about 20 field-based units. K-12 Accountability & Disruption: Florida’s Monroe County School District earned an “A” grade for 2025-2026, while England faces school timing chaos after a 1am World Cup match with Mexico, prompting some late openings. AI in Schools: Punjab (India) announced AI curriculum rollout in government schools from next month, and Malaysia’s science ministry flagged talent development and TVET upgrades tied to robotics and AI. School Safety & Access: Kyiv reported 23 education sites damaged in a Russian missile and drone attack, with officials stressing no injuries; California is also seeking grant applications for clean-water education outreach for boaters. Programs, Partnerships & Grants: A dual MBA program is launching in Uttar Pradesh via Lincoln University College (Malaysia), and Oregon Tech won a matching grant to make Fort Astoria’s War of 1812 history accessible through mobile audio storytelling. Local School News: East Liverpool approved multiple staffing changes, and a Durham private school’s shock closure left 281 pupils scrambling for placements.

Higher Education Governance: Turkey’s Istanbul Bilgi University has been ordered closed via a presidential decree, raising fresh alarm about how licensing and quality checks are handled for private universities. Student Support & Funding: New York City’s FY27 budget expands NYC Kids RISE, giving every public school kindergartner a $1,000 college savings account. Early Childhood & Community Services: Rep. Eugene Vindman announced $3.5M for Culpeper Head Start to boost early learning, nutrition, and family support. Teacher & Classroom Grants: Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union awarded $22,000 to 44 teachers for classroom supplies and learning resources. School District Decisions: Warren County’s school board rejected a meals-tax deal aimed at capital projects, while Louisiana’s St. Landry Parish approved a consolidation plan to close multiple schools amid a budget deficit. Teaching & Learning Capacity: Ibb University trained about 50 faculty members on modern teaching and assessment strategies. Workforce Development: A DETAC webinar will focus on integrating transportation supports into workforce development for people with disabilities. University Leadership: American Samoa Community College named Sonny J. Leomiti interim president.

School Safety & Child Protection: Philippines lawmaker Martin Romualdez proposed new measures after the June 22 San Jose National High School shooting that killed three students and injured 20, with DepEd, CHED, DSWD and health officials discussing immediate and long-term steps. Online Safety & Student Protection: Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat will question ministers on rules under the Online Safety Act 2025, including school pupil safety and protections against bullying and accidents. Higher Education Affordability: Malawi’s opposition warns a 100% public university tuition hike will price out low-income students, as fees rise for multiple universities starting 2027/28. Local School Funding: Wisconsin’s DPI estimates Rock County districts will see mixed state-aid changes for 2026-27, including Beloit’s expected increase. Leadership & Transitions: Council Bluffs schools named Iowa City’s Chace Ramey as interim superintendent while board meetings cover budgets and staffing. Campus Expansion: Jakarta’s Independent School of Jakarta announced a senior campus opening in 2028 to keep students from early years through A-Levels. Community Support: Iriga City received P5 million from the Dangerous Drugs Board to build its first community-based drug rehab center, with a prevention-and-rehabilitation focus. Student Access & Inclusion: Nigeria’s JAMB Equal Opportunity Group says 4,216 candidates with disabilities gained tertiary admission over 10 years, averaging 53% admission rates. Health & Sports Access: Kinzua Youth Development Center partnered with Warren General Hospital to provide vouchers for youth sports physicals. Food Safety: Cyberabad released June hygiene scores for 39 food businesses, including schools and central kitchens, with ratings from 18% to 94%. School Disruption: Milwaukee Public Schools is planning placements after a fire destroyed Lincoln Avenue School.

School Counseling Workforce: The Philippines’ Civil Service Commission approved qualification standards for new school counselor roles under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, aiming to expand student mental health and psychosocial support. STEM Pathways Expansion: Sarasota County Schools is advertising a reimagined 6-8 STEM magnet with a University of South Florida partnership, launching hands-on tracks in AI, cybersecurity, robotics and marine sciences. School Takeover Halt: A federal judge temporarily blocked Memphis-Shelby County’s school takeover board from disrupting district operations, ordering the state and district to maintain the status quo. Federal Loan Forgiveness Rules Struck Down: Two U.S. judges invalidated changes to the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program, saying the department overstepped and raised First Amendment concerns. Inclusive Education Focus: A new comparative analysis highlights how U.S. and Brazil differ in implementing inclusive education, stressing that real outcomes depend on institutional support and structure. Rural Connectivity: Papua New Guinea’s Tubusereia Junior High School gained high-speed internet via Starlink, improving access to learning resources and school administration. Military Training in Schools: Russia will more than double basic military training time for grades 6–11, adding drone study and field exercises.