AGP Executive Report

School Safety & Child Protection: In the Philippines, lawmakers and mental health experts are pushing new measures after the June 22 San Jose National High School shooting that killed three students and injured 20, with attention turning to online extremist grooming routes. Bullying Prevention: Malaysia’s police say anti-bullying and anti-gangsterism work must start in primary school, expanding a character-and-discipline programme to younger pupils. Safe Schools Oversight: Malaysia’s education ministry says it will assess student-safety incidents case by case while tightening audits, monitoring, and coordination through a multi-agency safety committee. Higher Education Crackdown: Turkey’s closure order for Istanbul Bilgi University has sparked international concern, with critics saying the move bypassed warnings despite recent accreditation checks. Student Loans Policy (US): The US Education Department’s new Repayment Assistance Plan drew nearly 46,000 applications in the first day, as advocacy groups urge borrowers to weigh trade-offs. Higher Ed Access (India): Assam eased rules for private universities, including land and endowment requirements, to attract investment and expand options. Digital Learning & AI: Qatar and a UAE-backed digital school initiative are expanding digital learning support across Africa, while Ghana’s literacy challenge asks students to debate AI’s pros and cons in basic education. Student Visa Costs (Australia): Australia raised student and temporary graduate visa fees, including Subclass 500, increasing pressure on international applicants. Authorship Integrity: StrikePlagiarism.com launched a stylometry module to help universities assess writing consistency beyond basic similarity checks.

Higher Ed Governance: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a review of Pakistan’s HEC regulatory framework for creating and accrediting universities, directing updates before Cabinet approval. Student Loans & Access: New U.S. federal student loan repayment rules take effect, replacing the SAVE plan and funneling borrowers into two simpler options, while a separate report notes judges struck down parts of the earlier forgiveness overhaul. Learning Outcomes: A U.S. “reading recession” analysis links falling achievement to years of erosion and the shift away from test-based accountability, with Virginia’s standards tightening highlighted. School Safety Planning: Baguio City, Philippines, is piloting active shooter drills and calling for studies before adopting harsher measures like phone confiscation or lowering criminal responsibility. Continuity After Disruption: Eastern Illinois University will host Charleston Unit School District middle school students after tornado damage, aiming to keep the school year on track. Equity in Advanced Courses: Worcester, Massachusetts reports Latino students are underrepresented in AP classes compared with overall enrollment. Campus Tech & Student Life: Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong Maryknoll College paused stricter phone rules after student pushback. Funding & Staffing Pressure: Caddo Parish, Louisiana approved a 6% pay raise for thousands of school employees amid ongoing debates over education funding. International Research Exchange: Fulbright grants will send graduate researchers and an alumna to Uganda, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and South Korea.

School Safety & Policy: The Philippines’ DepEd reiterated a strict ban on student and staff gadget use during class hours, allowing devices only for approved learning or emergencies, while a Tacloban City Senate hearing heard new details on a June school shooting that left three students dead. School Infrastructure & Funding: Moldova’s government approved an EIB-backed plan to modernize 20 schools starting in 2027, and Alaska’s Wrangell district is moving ahead with major roof and building renovations funded by state grants, bonds, and federal support. Student Support & Access: Ghana’s GES trained kindergarten teacher support teams under an early childhood reform, and KNUST’s SONSOL initiative has topped 4,000 laptops for needy students. Higher Ed & Student Finance: Major U.S. federal student loan rule changes take effect July 1, reshaping borrowing and repayment options. Learning & Community Programs: South Africa’s YEM hackathon in Johannesburg showcased engineering prototypes from learners at underserved schools, and Bath’s new Family Learning Fund offers grants for shared family learning activities. Tech in Schools: Secured Tech launched EdTech Supply to expand affordable Chromebook parts and devices while reducing e-waste. Local Education Politics: Central Indiana school board races are becoming partisan under new election rules, with candidate filings showing shifting party patterns.

Student Loan Forgiveness: Two federal judges blocked a Trump rule that would strip public service workers of eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, arguing it could target disfavored causes and employers. Transgender Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Idaho and West Virginia laws banning transgender girls and women from school sports teams, saying they don’t violate Title IX, a major setback for transgender rights. School Safety & Accountability: A Brockton school custodian case over an alleged gun charge was dropped, while Horowhenua College dismissed a teacher after conduct concerns were upheld. Learning Support & Access: Pasadena’s Octavia E. Butler Magnet Middle School library was named a finalist for the National School Library of the Year Award, and NFHS launched a national student credential tied to leadership and mental wellness courses. Funding & Operations: Killam’s school building bids came in far under budget, and Washington County’s school supply drive opened for 2026-27 applications. Higher Ed & Inclusion: Florida’s board approved rules barring undocumented students from state colleges and GED programs. Community Programs: Qatar Foundation’s Education City runs summer camps, and Qatar Charity delivered school kits to about 500 students in Nepal.

School Safety & Violence Prevention: In the Philippines, Leyte lawmakers plan a regional rapid-response network of volunteer mental health and child protection professionals after the Tacloban school shooting, while in Cavite police say a potential Grade 10 attack was stopped and an improvised firearm recovered after school officials alerted authorities. Security Measures in Schools: Legazpi City, Albay, donated 56 handheld metal detectors to DepEd schools after the Tacloban tragedy, with police saying the devices help keep weapons and contraband out. Student Incidents & Tragedies: Three students died after a boat capsized in Sri Lanka’s Wanathawilluwa lagoon, and in Mumbai a peepal tree crushed a school van, killing one and injuring others. Learning Access & Support: Malaysia’s MOE rolls out the RM221.6m MADANI Book Voucher Programme for 2.2m students, with e-voucher redemption starting June 30 via BookCapital. Inclusive Education: Israel’s Herzog College graduated students with Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy as teaching assistants, expanding paid roles in mainstream preschools and schools. Digital/Online Learning: The University of the Philippines Open University opens free MOOC enrollment for July–December 2026 via its MODeL platform.

Student Loans Ruling: A U.S. judge blocked part of a federal rule that limited “professional” graduate loan amounts, and the Education Department is now temporarily applying the narrower definition—hurting some fields like nursing while keeping the fight alive. Higher Ed Accountability: Johnson C. Smith University’s accreditor extended probation for another year over fiscal responsibility concerns, though it says students can still access federal aid. Prison-to-College Pathways: Lake Tahoe Community College held a first-in-state graduation for eight incarcerated students earning forestry degrees through a Rising Scholars program tied to conservation work. Bullying and Safety: Parents and students in Massapequa urged action after reports of ongoing bullying and said responses haven’t been strong enough. Phone Rules: South Bend schools will require phones and wearables to be powered off and out of sight during the day, with limited exceptions. Funding Pressure: Saskatchewan’s NDP warned of upcoming school cuts and larger class sizes tied to underfunding. Student Housing Market: A new guide says European student housing demand is up sharply, so U.S. applicants should start early. Summer Learning and Equity: A UK survey finds many families face holiday food and activity costs, with some skipping meals or using food banks. Campus Safety Tech: Cebu’s DepEd will review a proposed total cellphone ban in schools to ensure it fits national policy.

School Safety & Threats (Philippines): Escalante City National High School in Negros Occidental shifted to remote learning after a viral social-media post allegedly outlined a shooting plan; police are investigating the chat and have seized the student’s phone for digital forensics. Local Response (Philippines): In Batangas, classes at Batangas City Integrated High School were suspended after a shooting threat posted on the school’s Facebook page; police say a “bullied” Grade 10 student is a person of interest and the case is with anti-cybercrime investigators, with classes set to resume after assessments. Policy Debate (Philippines): Sen. Bam Aquino pushed back on calls to ban violent video games, arguing studies show no link to school shootings and urging better age-restriction enforcement instead. Security Crisis (Nigeria): Gunmen attacked Government Day Secondary School in Borno during NECO exams, killing a teacher and abducting students; security forces are searching. Education Reform (Kyrgyzstan): The Kyrgyz Academy of Education defended the rollout of a 12-year system, saying criticism reflects textbook and implementation gaps in the first year. Learning & Devices (Cebu, Philippines): Malacañang signaled openness to stricter firearms rules but questioned a “total ban” on phones in Dumanjug, saying penalties may be unreasonable and implementation rests with schools. Language Requirements (India): Maharashtra made Marathi compulsory from Classes 1–10, with penalties for noncompliance. AI in Schools (US): Tempe Union High School District is drafting practical classroom AI rules, using “red/yellow/green” guidance to encourage learning while limiting misuse. Private School Growth (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan’s private secondary sector surged, with the finance ministry tightening oversight and updating funding and monitoring systems. Medical Education (India): India is reviewing the NEET PG “zero percentile” cutoff policy amid concerns it could weaken postgraduate medical standards. Teacher Shortage (Ghana): Ghana plans to recruit 50 Arabic teachers by end-July, with more permanent hires planned for 2027. School Infrastructure (Moldova): A World Bank-funded project equipped a Moldovan gymnasium with computers and interactive boards to support students, including those with disabilities.

School Safety Coordination: Philippines’ PNP chief urged schools to coordinate with police and DepEd/CHEd before major off-campus activities after the June 8 Ateneo Blue Eagles drowning sparked wider outrage. Campus Violence Aftermath: In Tacloban, authorities are investigating alleged student threats on social media as San Jose National High School prepares a phased reopening with modular learning and added security after a June 22 mass shooting. Education Access & Funding: Brazil’s spending-cap amendment debate continues as Rio de Janeiro public education faces uncertainty after austerity moves. Private School Support: Qatar’s MOEHE says it will provide 3,000+ free seats for eligible Qatari students in participating private schools via vouchers, with applications through the Maaref platform. Equity in School Ceremonies: Jamaica’s education ministry condemned Ascot Primary School for excluding students from graduation gowns based on PEP exam results. Higher Ed Partnerships: Bangladesh’s UGC signed an MoU with Tianjin University to expand masters and PhD admissions and joint programmes. Learning Innovation: Sabah’s Music Hive is rolling out an AI Tutor programme to cut the cost of music education amid teacher shortages, including exam prep and a planned research centre.

School Safety & Security: In Tacloban City, authorities in Leyte and Northern Samar are investigating alleged student threats posted online after last week’s deadly shooting at San Jose National High School, and they’ve boosted security at schools while urging the public not to spread unverified claims. Bullying Crackdown: Malaysia’s police arrested six 17-year-old boys to help investigate a May bullying case in Muar that left a 14-year-old victim traumatized and forced to quit school, with probes also looking at possible hostel neglect. Off-Campus Risk Management: The Philippine National Police urged schools to coordinate with law enforcement before major off-campus activities after two Ateneo athletes drowned during a team training trip, calling for better emergency planning and medical readiness. Student Well-Being in Primary Schools: Rajasthan launched “Khushishala,” a mental health and well-being programme in about 1,500 government primary schools, training teachers to support emotional resilience through activity-based learning. Digital Learning Infrastructure: India’s DIKSHA platform was highlighted as the “one nation, one digital platform” for school education, linking curriculum resources with teacher training and digital learning management. Policy & Governance: The Trump administration moved oversight of special education and civil rights out of the U.S. Department of Education, shifting enforcement to the Justice Department and special education oversight to Health and Human Services.

School Communications & Civic Trust: Sweetwater School District No. 1 in Wyoming apologized after a ParentSquare message tied a volunteer opportunity to a specific political candidate, saying it was meant for civic engagement but was sent with the wrong campaign association and will review its internal approval process. Student Safety & Accountability: A man was convicted of criminally negligent manslaughter in a fatal Harford County school bus crash, after court findings said he failed to brake before the collision that killed a 17-year-old. STEM & Community Schools Funding: In Idaho, the University of Idaho will launch new AI degree programs in 2026, while Emmett’s community schools support was restored after the U.S. Department of Education reinstated a $30 million grant to the United Way of Treasure Valley, keeping services like food and after-school programs running. Learning Outcomes & Skills: Butte View Elementary opened a STEM lab for hands-on coding, engineering, and science activities using federal community schools grant support. Higher Ed & Workforce: Qatar education leaders emphasized shifting from degrees to job-ready skills through university-industry partnerships. Campus Life & Recognition: College of the Albemarle student Charles White won a state IT scholarship, and Mid-Atlantic Christian University biology students earned top national exam percentiles. School Governance & Fairness: Emmett School Board tabled a proposed sports participation fee increase after public comment raised concerns about access for lower-income and homeschool families.

School Safety Overhaul (Philippines): After the Tacloban school shooting, DepEd launched a nationwide School Safety Campaign focused on prevention, reporting, and rapid response to bullying and campus threats, with Education Secretary Sonny Angara stressing that schools must stay safe learning spaces. Firearm Storage Push (Philippines): Former lawmaker Joey Salceda urged stricter enforcement of secure gun storage rules, calling for sworn affidavits on how firearms are kept and tighter custody for government weapons. Violence on Campus (Philippines): In Cavite, a Grade 8 student was injured in an alleged stabbing by a schoolmate after an argument; the suspect was taken into custody and a case is being prepared. Student Tragedy (Malaysia): Two university students died in a car crash after a speeding incident on the DUKE expressway; police are reviewing CCTV and using DNA to identify victims. Education Through Sport (Qatar): Education Above All and partners held “Let’s Move for Education” at Place Vendôme, using a community walk/jog to link sport with confidence and learning. Play-Based Learning (UK): Heycroft Primary School received OPAL’s Platinum Award for Play at Lunchtime, praising inclusive, imaginative play that supports wellbeing. Grassroots Girls’ Education (India): Bihar’s Shiksha Chaupal project earned India’s only SDG Lions shortlist at Cannes Lions, mobilizing thousands of community gatherings to keep girls in school.

Trauma Response: The Philippines’ DepEd Tacloban completed a three-day psychological intervention for students and staff after the June 22 mass shooting at San Jose National High School, prioritizing direct witnesses to help prevent long-term mental health impacts. Civil Rights & Accountability: In Colorado, newly released case documents show how the Trump administration investigated Title IX sex discrimination complaints—raising questions about inconsistent follow-up and what “more aggressive enforcement” could mean for districts. City Education Contracts: New York City’s contract cuts debate centers on an $8.9M student data portal used in nearly every public school, with educators warning it could disrupt support for students, including homeless students. STEM & Research Access: Elizabeth City State University students helped sequence an oak tree as the first HBCU in the American Campus Tree Genome Project, with results published in a major genetic database. Student Safety Learning: Minnesota launched “On My Way! Walk, Bike and Roll” to teach pedestrian and bicycle safety in age-appropriate lessons for K-8. School Funding & Growth: Titusville Area School District adopted a $48.5M budget, while Spring Hill approved $20M in CTE additions plus commons expansion tied to a $60M bond. Student Support at School: Sarawak’s first constituency school-based food bank aims to ensure students arrive with enough to eat, alongside incentives and smart classroom funding. Scholarships & Opportunity: Arvig awarded 36 seniors $3,000 scholarships each, and Algoma University’s golf classic raised $35,000 for graduate scholarships.

School Safety Overhaul (Philippines): After the Tacloban City shooting that killed three students, the Department of Education says it will tighten security nationwide with metal detectors, bag inspections, CCTV, visitor management, and safety audits of exits, fencing, and lighting. Local Security Rollouts (Philippines): Parañaque plans metal detectors in all public schools, while police in Aparri confiscated a homemade .38 firearm and a knife during backpack checks. Juvenile Accountability (Philippines): A DSWD chief says a 15-year-old suspect could still face imprisonment if rehabilitation fails, even as the Juvenile Justice Act requires interventions. Student Support & Prevention (Philippines): Lawmakers urge schools and police to widely share safety hotlines and reporting rules, citing a social media tip that helped authorities act. Learning & Access (Kenya): Nyandarua moves closer to its first university after land titling clears the way for construction of hostels and classrooms. Heat-Ready Schools (France): France pledges €130m for cooling and renovation so schools can keep operating during heat waves. Higher Ed Expansion (China): “Double first-class” universities announce 2026 enrollment growth, with new slots concentrated in AI and strategic fields. Phone-Free Classrooms (England): England’s school smartphone ban becomes enforceable Monday, with Ofsted checking strict, all-day enforcement. AI in Learning (China): A study of 26,811 students finds AI use boosts homework performance but can hurt closed-book and entrance exam results.

School Funding Pressure (Chicago): The Chicago Teachers Union rallied for a special Illinois legislative session over a projected $733 million CPS budget shortfall, warning of possible major school disruptions and additional layoffs if lawmakers don’t find new revenue. Student Safety & Violence (Philippines): Authorities released a 14-year-old student accused of posting online threats about a school attack after finding no evidence of an organized plan, while President Marcos ordered agencies to investigate rising violence involving minors. Child Protection Case (Arkansas): In the Batesville preschool abuse probe, court documents show charges filed against three people, including a former teacher accused of assaulting children captured on classroom video. Teacher Misconduct (U.S.): A 10th grade teacher in Tennessee was jailed on an 18-count indictment tied to an alleged sexual relationship with a student; in New Jersey, a former middle school teacher faces a 12-count indictment including sexual assault and manufacturing child sexual abuse material. Higher Education & Policy (U.S.): A federal judge temporarily blocked new Education Department graduate/professional student loan borrowing limits ahead of a July 1 start date. AI in Education (U.S.): The University of North Dakota School of Medicine is exploring an AI hub to support rural healthcare, research partnerships, and student AI training. Campus Expansion (U.S.): Inspire School of Arts & Sciences in Chico is moving from 16 years of portables to a new campus for the coming school year.

School Safety & Violence Response (Philippines): DepEd says it will hire more guidance counselors after the Tacloban City school shooting, citing a severe shortage of counselors and arguing that earlier support can help prevent violence. National Security Measures (Philippines): Police chief orders a review of gun regulations after the attack, while Malacañang calls the violence “unacceptable” and says President Marcos wants the root causes identified, including possible links to violent gaming apps. Local Preparedness (Philippines): Mandaue City schools plan stronger security and faster police response after the Tacloban tragedy. Student Mental Health & Parenting Support (Philippines): DSWD plans to expand parenting lessons and preventive sessions following the shooting. STEM & Student Achievement (Philippines): Batangas State University students place third in the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge, programming a NASA robot on the ISS. Education Policy (Philippines): A bicam committee approved a Private Basic Education Voucher Program, moving the government closer to expanding access through private school options. Higher Education Access (Malaysia): UiTM Kedah lets underprivileged students register first and pay tuition later, supported by aid such as zakat. Assessment & Inclusion (India): Muslim student groups criticize strict hijab rules for India’s Teacher Eligibility Test, calling it an “impossible choice” between faith and exams. University Expansion (China): China’s “double first-class” universities plan undergraduate enrollment growth, with new slots concentrated in AI and strategic engineering fields. School Labor & Governance (US): Detroit teachers ratify a two-year contract; the next step is a school board vote. Legal Rights & Sports (US): Seattle University School of Law will livestream analysis of a Supreme Court transgender athlete ruling and its impact on schools and civil rights. School Leadership (US): Germantown appoints interim co-superintendents and begins a search process for a permanent superintendent.

Digital Citizenship in Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched “Digital Citizenship” lessons for 5th and 8th graders, built with cybersecurity partners and focused on safe, responsible online behavior. Medical Education Pathways: Sidra Medicine (Qatar Foundation) is expanding healthcare training via a new Medical Observership Programme and its Future Doctor Programme, linking secondary students and professionals with clinical learning. Bangladesh Higher-Education Internationalization: Bangladesh’s UGC is drafting a “National Policy Framework” to bring foreign universities’ academic activities into the country and expand dual/joint degrees, exchanges, and research, including a proposed 2+2 model. School Exam Rescheduling (Bangladesh): DSHE moved half-yearly and pre-test exams to run 1–16 July, citing unavoidable circumstances. LAUSD Budget + Screen-Time Limits (US): Los Angeles Unified approved a $20.6B budget and a screen-time cap, including a ban until 2nd grade, while also debating policing and staffing impacts. Heatwave School Closures (UK): Over 1,000 UK schools cut hours or closed amid extreme heat, triggering parent backlash over late notice and childcare disruption. AI in Classrooms (Canada): A Fraser Institute poll of Alberta teachers finds many have received AI lesson-planning training, but policy coverage and instruction on identifying AI work still lag. School Safety and Accountability (Canada/US): Edmonton charged a school custodian with child sexual exploitation offences; in New Jersey, a former teacher faces additional sexual-misconduct charges. Higher-Ed Governance (US): Florida’s Board of Governors is considering admission-policy changes that could bar undocumented students from state universities. Learning Support via Scholarships (US): California’s CalKIDS expands access: nearly 38% of eligible Santa Clara County high school students can claim scholarships for college and career training. Campus/Community Learning: A new airport “Wonder Wing” play-and-learning space opens in Northwest Arkansas; local school projects include playground upgrades and hands-on fundraising learning for kindergarteners.