The recent decision by the US Supreme Court has significant implications for students with disabilities in educational settings, as it establishes a uniform standard for evaluating claims of inadequate accommodations. In a unanimous ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts rejected the "two-tiered" approach used by some appellate courts, where disabled students were held to a higher burden of proof than others with disabilities.
This decision is a victory for Roman Martinez, attorney for the girl's family, who argued that schools should be held accountable for providing reasonable accommodations. The court lowered the legal standard from "bad faith or gross misjudgment" to a more accessible threshold, allowing families to sue schools that fall short in providing disability accommodations. This change will have far-reaching implications, as it will make it easier for families of children with disabilities to seek justice and ensure equal access to education.
The case at hand involved a teenage girl with epilepsy who was denied evening instruction by her Minnesota school district, which claimed that seizures were less frequent during the day. However, the Supreme Court ruled that claims for accommodations should be held to the same higher standard as other civil rights cases, effectively leveling the playing field for students with disabilities.
By establishing a uniform standard, the court has sent a clear message that schools must prioritize accessibility and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunity for all students. This decision is expected to have a positive impact on students like the girl in question, who require specialized support to succeed academically.
The impact is particularly pronounced on college campuses, where institutions such as Harvard University and Columbia University are facing significant funding reductions. This has led to project terminations, layoffs, and a decline in graduate-school admissions, affecting not only students but also faculty members.
The National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation are also bracing for tens of billions in budget cuts, which will likely have far-reaching consequences for research and development.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's plan to reduce public school funding by $100 million has been met with resistance from local leaders, including Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Brian Harvey. He argues that the cuts will lead to reduced class sizes and increased student-teacher ratios, ultimately compromising education quality.
The concerns are echoed in Arizona, where a large education rally was held in Phoenix, drawing thousands of participants, including Arizona State Senator Katie Hobbs.
Jollibee Group Partners with Polytechnic University of the Philippines on Skills Training Initiative
6.14.25
The Philippines has been actively investing in digital education initiatives to equip its workforce with industry-relevant skills and promote social mobility. A notable example is the partnership between Jollibee Group, a leading food company in the country, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). This collaboration aims to build a sustainable workforce pipeline by providing students with hands-on training and knowledge sharing opportunities.
Ruth Angeles, chief human resources officer at Jollibee Group, emphasized the importance of equipping students with industry-relevant skills, highlighting the company's commitment to enhancing employee capabilities. Isela Tiongson, president of JGF, noted that the partnership will have a broader societal impact by promoting social mobility and economic progress through education.
This initiative demonstrates Jollibee's dedication to investing in its employees' development and contributing to the country's economic growth. The partnership is driven by Jollibee's core value of joy, which seeks to foster a workplace where employees find purpose, growth, and belonging.
The recent US Supreme Court ruling on disability discrimination in educational settings has significant implications for New Mexico's Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and the state's special education funding. The court's decision, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, rejected a "two-tiered" approach used by some appellate courts, stating that all suits should face the same standard of proof.
In New Mexico, this decision has sparked a heated debate over special education funding. APS Superintendent Brian Harvey has expressed concerns that a proposed budget reduction of $3 million would harm students' educational outcomes. However, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration argues the cuts are necessary to balance the state's budget.
The court's decision is a significant victory for advocates of disability rights, including Roman Martinez, attorney for the girl's family in a landmark case. He hailed the ruling as a win for children with disabilities facing discrimination in schools across the country, stating it will help protect reasonable accommodations needed for equal opportunity.
The implications of this ruling and its impact on New Mexico's special education funding remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the court's decision has set a new standard for addressing disability discrimination in educational settings.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proposed a comprehensive plan to address the state's educational disparities, with a focus on bridging the gap between schools in urban areas such as Albuquerque. The plan aims to increase funding for under-resourced schools by $100 million over two years, with a specific emphasis on supporting schools in Albuquerque and other urban areas.
The proposed budget allocates $1.2 billion for K-12 education, a 10% increase from last year's allocation. Local leaders, including Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Brian Harvey, have expressed support for the plan, citing its potential to improve teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and enhance school infrastructure in underserved areas.
Despite some opposition from parents and educators who argue that proposed school funding cuts will negatively impact education quality, Lujan Grisham's plan represents a step towards bridging the gap between schools in urban areas and improving overall education outcomes in the state.
Pakistan's Education Crisis: Millions of Children Neglected in Conflict Zones
6.14.25
Education in Conflict Zones Neglected
Education is a fundamental human right that is often compromised in the face of global displacement and conflict. In recent times, millions of children have been forced out of their homes and schools due to war, persecution, or natural disasters. According to the UN refugee agency, over 122 million people worldwide have been displaced, with many of them being children who are at risk of dropping out of school.
In Pakistan, Minister Shah has emphasized the need to protect children from forced labor and ensure they have access to education. He highlighted the government's initiatives, such as the Benazir Income Support Programme's 'Waseela-e-Taleem' scheme, which provides conditional cash transfers to keep children in school. However, he stressed that action alone is insufficient and called on employers, parents, civil society, media, and religious leaders to prioritize child rights.
The Pakistani government has allocated significant funds for various educational initiatives, including the establishment of Daanish Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan. The PSDP 2025-26 has also allocated Rs18.58 billion for education projects with a focus on these regions.
President Asif Ali Zardari called on employers to strictly follow child labor laws and ensure their workplaces are free from exploitation, while urging parents and guardians to prioritize education over short-term gains. He emphasized the need for international support and protection for thousands of innocent children displaced or orphaned in conflict zones like Pakistan.
Overall, much work remains to be done to ensure that all children have access to quality education, especially those affected by displacement and conflict in countries like Pakistan.
Texas Ends In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
6.14.25
The recent federal court ruling that ended in-state tuition for non-citizens in Texas has sparked controversy over the state's 'Texas Dream Act,' which provided a pathway to affordable higher education for undocumented students. Critics argue that the decision is "harmful" and will prevent many from accessing college, while supporters claim it levels the playing field and provides an opportunity for betterment.
This move has resulted in a significant increase in costs for migrant students, with some rates rising by as much as 810%. For example, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the cost per semester credit hour increased from $50 to $455. A third-year student planning to attend medical school may be forced to reconsider their future due to these drastic changes.
Lawmakers are considering a temporary grandfather provision to allow current students to continue attending college without interruption. However, estimates suggest that repealing in-state tuition for undocumented students could cost the state $461 million annually, according to Robert Henneke of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The decision has significant implications for the futures of thousands of migrant students who were previously able to access affordable education through the 'Texas Dream Act.' The ruling's impact will be felt by individual students and the state's economy, which is expected to benefit from the increased tuition rates.
Family engagement is a crucial factor in education recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new report co-authored by Dr. Ayesha Hashim, Dr. Rebecca Johnson, and Rachel Perera, family engagement refers to a collaborative effort among schools, families, and communities to improve educational opportunities for all students.
Nord Anglia Education's Social Impact Grants program is an example of this collaborative approach in action. The program awards funding to student-led projects that address pressing local challenges, such as expanding healthcare access and promoting digital literacy. For instance, a grant recipient will use the funding to develop a generative AI-powered device for underserved children.
The report highlights the importance of family engagement in education recovery, citing its benefits in improving academic outcomes and reducing student dropout rates. Nord Anglia Education's grants program recognizes this need for collaboration by supporting initiatives that bring together students, teachers, families, and communities to drive positive change.
By fostering a collaborative approach to education, schools can better support students' social-emotional needs and provide them with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly complex world. The grants program has awarded over $155,000 to 17 student-led projects across its schools worldwide, demonstrating the potential of family engagement in driving meaningful change.
The committee reviewing the grant applications is chaired by Lord Jim Knight, who emphasizes the value of empowering young changemakers to design and implement impactful solutions in their communities.
Harvard University's International Students' Visa Status Maintained Provisionally After Court Ruling
6.13.25
The recent developments surrounding international students at Harvard University have highlighted the complexities of visa policies and their impact on higher education. A federal court has upheld a temporary restraining order, allowing over 6,800 international students to continue their studies without changes to their visa status for now.
This decision comes after the US Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard's certification for international students, prompting a court-issued Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on May 22. The university is coordinating with stakeholders to protect its affected students.
The situation remains fluid, but for now, these students can continue their education without interruption.