AGP Executive Report

Flexible Learning: The Philippines’ education, higher-education and skills agencies launched initiatives to support learners, identify gaps in education pathways and create routes from study to employment beyond a four-year degree. Girls’ Education: UNESCO awarded its 2026 prize to projects in Morocco and Peru helping adolescent girls stay in school and pursue further study; 133 million girls worldwide remain out of school. French School Protests: Students and teachers are protesting poor school conditions, staff shortages, long days and the university admissions system, as clashes with police intensify. Research and Innovation: Nigeria’s TETFund is setting up innovation hubs at 45 tertiary institutions to help turn research into practical solutions and businesses. Student Support: Malaysia’s 2027 budget includes RM19.1 billion for higher education, campus infrastructure funding and food assistance for students. Strikes Ease: University classes are set to resume at three Lagos institutions after lecturers suspended industrial action, while Ghana’s teacher unions also called off their nationwide strike.

Special Education Access: Namibia’s Eluwa Resource School has 600 children waiting for just 64 places in 2027; some may wait a decade for support. Workforce Links: Education and business leaders in Arkansas are building a regional hub to connect schools, colleges and employers with high-demand jobs. School Choice: New York has joined a federal scholarship tax-credit program, making taxpayers eligible for credits on donations to education scholarship groups. AI in Higher Education: EDUCAUSE urges colleges to teach baseline AI skills, as students face restrictive campus rules while employers expect AI readiness. Student Protests: Demonstrations over crowded classrooms, staff shortages and poor facilities have spread from France to six other European countries; France has pledged 3,000 teachers. Teacher Strike: Ghana’s education ministry welcomed unions’ decision to suspend a nationwide strike and return to negotiations.

France’s School Crisis: The government has pledged more than 3,000 substitute teachers for 114 secondary schools after weeks of student protests over staffing and conditions, but demonstrations continue. School Safety: After knife attacks in Poland, police checked more than 10,000 schools and detained at least 10 people over threats or weapons. Education Funding: Nigeria’s state revenues rose 93% from 2023 to 2025, yet education’s share of spending fell from 14.9% in 2021 to 12.1% last year, the World Bank reports. University Oversight: The U.S. Labor Department is investigating nine universities over alleged misuse of J-1 visas; officials say the probe will examine claims that the visas undercut wages for U.S. researchers. Haze Disruption: Perak ordered religious schools in areas with severe air pollution to close, with home-based learning advised where feasible.

France’s School Crisis: After more than a week of student protests over teacher shortages and poor conditions, the government pledged 3,000 substitute teachers for the worst-affected high schools; students say the response falls short. Skills and Training: New Zealand will fund 15 additional domestic veterinary places at Massey University each year from 2027, while nursing educators in Manila are promoting clinical simulation to better prepare students for practice. AI and Assessment: Education leaders are calling for more authentic assessment and stronger academic-integrity safeguards as generative AI spreads. Higher-Education Pressures: Lincoln University students and alumni are suing Missouri for nearly $550 million, alleging decades of underfunding; U.S. authorities have also opened a visa-fraud investigation involving nine universities. Education in Conflict: The Palestinian education ministry says more than 20,000 school and university students have been killed in three years of war, while the UN says Afghanistan needs $160 million to meet education needs.

France’s School Protests: Tens of thousands of students are demanding better-funded schools, more teachers and improved facilities. Demonstrations have spread nationwide, while police tactics face scrutiny after a teenager lost part of his arm; authorities suspended stun grenades pending an investigation. Student Safety: Malaysia’s king urged schools in haze-hit areas to close when pollution stays high, as unhealthy air readings affected dozens of locations. Skills and Curriculum: Cambodia’s prime minister called for updated curricula, digital and AI skills, and stronger links between vocational training and employers. In the Northern Mariana Islands, education leaders are also developing career pathways with local businesses. Nursing Education: A Manila symposium brought together 150 educators and health-sector leaders to explore simulation training for preparing Filipino nurses for clinical work. University Labor: Nigeria released eight months of salary arrears to university staff, averting a threatened strike.

School Safety and Protests: A stabbing at an Istanbul middle school killed one student and injured seven; a teenage suspect was detained. In France, school protests over conditions and funding have intensified, with police suspending the use of stun grenades after a student was seriously injured. School Closures: Portland families, staff and students protested plans to close 11 or 14 school buildings as the district responds to declining enrollment. Teacher Workforce: The University of Maine is offering full-tuition support for rural educators pursuing special-education qualifications, addressing a persistent shortage. Higher-Education Equity: Lincoln University students and alumni sued Missouri, alleging decades of underfunding totaling more than $361 million and seeking equitable support for the historically Black land-grant institution. Teacher Investment: A Nigerian education leader urged the government to declare an emergency on teacher education and welfare, citing poor pay and working conditions as drivers of shortages.

French School Protests: More than 250,000 people rallied over poor conditions and funding, while a 15-year-old lost his hand after a police grenade exploded. Police have suspended stun-grenade use pending an investigation. U.S. Education Department: The department’s watchdog will investigate the Trump administration’s transfer of higher-education duties to the Labor Department, following pressure from Senator Elizabeth Warren. School Safety: A Washington state man was charged with allegedly helping plan last year’s deadly attack at a Canadian school and offering to livestream it. Learning Resources: Moldova launched its first national open educational resources platform, offering teachers, students and families free materials organized by grade and subject. AI in Classrooms: Estonia’s education minister urged countries to develop global rules for classroom AI, warning that tools should build students’ thinking rather than do it for them. Haze Disruptions: Malaysia ordered schools in Batu Pahat closed after air pollution reached hazardous levels; outdoor activities were suspended in areas with readings above 100.

School Safety & Violence: A teenage girl stabbed pupils at a school in Istanbul, killing one student, as Turkish authorities investigate. Cross-Border Criminal Case: A Bellingham man, James Cody Bryant, was charged in the U.S. for allegedly conspiring with a Canadian school shooter, including advice and livestream planning. Student Protests & Policy Pressure (France): Hundreds of thousands marched as high school students block schools over education funding; officials reported widespread disruptions, arrests, and injuries, with classes suspended for “internal democracy.” School Choice Politics (US): The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit is rolling out as states must opt in; Colorado is highlighted as a key battleground while unions warn it could divert funds from public schools. Cybersecurity & Student Data: South Carolina districts reported a cybersecurity incident tied to Frontline Education systems holding student medical records and staff data. Enrollment & Access: Broward again weighs closing schools amid 61,000 empty seats; in Suriname, hundreds of parents still can’t enroll children as the new school year begins. Learning Support & Workforce: High-dosage tutoring grants target math in Connecticut; Nigeria’s UNN won approval for 12 new undergraduate programmes; and a nursing school in Erie reopened with a part-time pathway to address shortages.

School Health & Vaccines: In Bukidnon, the DOH and DepEd launched the “Bakuna Eskwela” rollout, giving Grade 4 girls HPV shots (with MR and Td also for Grades 1 and 7) while addressing lingering social-media vaccine fears. Education Funding & Accountability: The Philippines’ COA flagged a P58.13M Mandaue school-supplies deal where rubber shoes were paid for but not delivered, ordering an investigation. Teacher Support: Philippines President Marcos ordered faster release of 2024 Performance-Based Bonus payments for public teachers, aiming to get incentives out by October–December. Higher Ed & Workforce Skills: Vietnam clarified that valedictorians from domestic universities qualify under its talent attraction policy without extra personal-achievement requirements. AI in Schools: Mexty launched an editable K–12 AI literacy curriculum for UAE schools, paired with teacher training. Campus Safety & Disruption: In France, nationwide high-school protests escalated into major blockades and clashes, with thousands arrested and hundreds of schools disrupted. School Infrastructure: In Namibia’s Rundu, schools sent learners home early after septic tanks filled up, with maintenance delays tied to tender paperwork and equipment breakdowns.

Teacher Pay Push (Philippines): President Marcos ordered agencies to speed up release of the 2024 Performance-Based Bonus for public school teachers, with payouts expected between October and December. Peace & Education Aid (Philippines): The government resumed distributing educational financial aid to decommissioned MILF rebels and dependents under the Educational Assistance Program, with remaining grantees to receive P50,000 in two tranches. Learning Gaps & Student Wellbeing (Philippines): Edcom 2 is consulting youth groups using an arts-based module, citing low literacy results and ongoing concerns around safety, bullying, and gadget/social media use. Indigenous Inclusion (Philippines): A Mangyan teacher in Oriental Mindoro describes discrimination and how her language-and-culture approach helps Indigenous learners stay engaged. Cybersecurity in Schools (US): A cyber extortion group identified as “Kairos” claimed responsibility for a September ransomware attack on Slate Valley Unified Union School District and warned of plans to leak staff data. School Safety & Discipline (Kuwait): Kuwait’s education minister suspended school administration for three months after student suffocation incidents, while an investigation continues. Higher Ed Access (US): University of Arizona announced a tuition and fees freeze for all students for fall 2027. Accountability & Attendance (US): Colorado’s Gilpin County district was named an Attendance Challenge Champion after cutting chronic absenteeism by 71.2% over four years. Gender-Based Education Rights (Afghanistan): The ICC unsealed arrest warrants for Afghan Taliban education ministers accused of crimes against humanity tied to restrictions on girls’ schooling and women’s higher education.

France School Protests: Clashes tied to France’s education unrest have kept hundreds of schools closed, with reports of arson and injuries; a 15-year-old in Lens lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade as protests enter a second week. School Safety & Accountability: Malaysia’s police chief warned that hiding school safety issues can block action, while Johor’s education ministry is upgrading CCTV and reviewing security SOPs after a student death in Yong Peng. Learning Access in Hard Places: Greece’s Kalamos island is set to close its last primary school as students commute by sea and numbers dwindle, highlighting how remote communities lose schooling first. Food Support at Scale: Selangor (Malaysia) will expand its NUTRISEL student nutrition programme to 900+ schools and 900,000+ students, shifting from targeted aid to broader coverage. Higher Ed Quality & Transparency: Vietnam’s education minister urged universities to move beyond enrollment targets, explain student choice and value, and adapt teaching to AI. Youth Voice in Reform: Philippines’ Edcom 2 is consulting youth groups using an arts-based module on literacy, safety, bullying, wellbeing, and media use. School Infrastructure Oversight: In the UK, a zebra crossing outside a primary school was removed after it was installed without being in approved plans, triggering a safety shutdown and scrutiny of coordination.

Teacher Pay & Conditions: Philippines teacher advocates marked World Teachers’ Day by renewing calls for higher entry pay (P50,000), PERA, more education funding, and full Magna Carta implementation amid staffing gaps and heavier workloads. Education Funding Boost: Philippines lawmakers approved P1.952B in DepEd budget additions for facilities, school safety, and academic recovery, plus support for special needs, Madrasah, and Indigenous Peoples education. World Teachers’ Day Recognition: DepEd honored a Pampanga community-based ALS teacher for long-running work with out-of-school youth and mobile learning for remote communities. Higher-Education Governance: NSW’s parliament inquiry says public universities have drifted toward corporate models and recommends changes to enabling laws to restore transparency and public mission. Early Childhood Spotlight: Australia’s HESTA awards recognized standout early childhood leaders and services for advancing pedagogy, leadership, and inclusive practice. Student Pathways in Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s “Study in Education City” invites high schoolers and families to explore partner universities and student life at Education City. School Infrastructure & Access: ActionAid Sierra Leone backed a new classroom block for 1,300+ learners in Freetown, stressing that buildings must come with trained teachers and learning materials.

Teacher Rights & Pay: Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, Philippines education reform groups and teachers’ unions renewed calls for higher pay (including P50,000 entry-level), better staffing, and full Magna Carta implementation amid workload and salary concerns. Education Budget Boost: In the Philippines, lawmakers approved major DepEd additions for 2027, including funds for classrooms, school safety, academic recovery, and inclusive education. Higher-Education Expansion: Basilan State College was elevated to Basilan State University, expanding its mandate for research, innovation, and public service. Alternative Provision That Works: England’s Progress Schools Tees Valley won a national SEND award after cutting suspensions sharply through personalised, restorative approaches. School Safety & Wellbeing: A new U.S. Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge will fund schools and youth groups to implement the Presidential Fitness Test and build lifelong healthy habits. Learning in Crisis: Thailand’s Prince of Songkla University delivered 3,000 shelf-stable meals to flood-affected communities, showing how university research can support disaster response. School Protests Watch: France’s high school protests are set to resume, with authorities warning about violence and schools affected by unrest. Global Partnerships: Türkiye opened a Turkish school in Damascus, while Indonesia pushed university-industry collaboration with Tsinghua to speed innovation into real-world solutions.

Student Transport & School Access: Bahrain lawmakers urged more buses and lower monthly transport fees for students at University of Bahrain and Bahrain Polytechnic after complaints about long waits, difficult bus-stop access, and campus walking in heat and rain. School Funding & Local Votes: Lake County, Florida voters will decide whether to raise a school property tax from 0.75 mill to 1 mill for four years to fund safety, mental health, and teacher pay. Overcrowding & Closures: Boone County, Kentucky held hearings on proposed Van Junior/Senior High and Whitesville Elementary closures, with residents raising concerns about special education and transportation. Teacher Support & Recognition: Bishkek honored “Best Teacher of the Year — 2026” winners with housing and cars, highlighting incentives for municipal education workers. Higher Ed Growth & Campus Life: Gannon University hosted a fall open house touting small classes and professor-student relationships; Delgado Community College reported enrollment growth alongside expanded workforce programs. Education Under Pressure in France: French high school protests over teacher shortages, overcrowding, and facilities disruptions spread nationwide, disrupting hundreds of schools and triggering arrests and injuries. Policy & Legal Battles in Higher Education: A U.S. judge temporarily blocked the Education Department from releasing identifying names of foreign donors to U.S. universities, setting up a legal fight over transparency. Learning Infrastructure & Practical Training: Hialeah Gardens High School unveiled a hospital-simulated health sciences classroom funded by a STEM makeover grant, aiming to boost hands-on medical training.

Refugee Education Crisis: The UNHCR says 5.8 million refugee children were out of school in 2025, with 44% of school-age refugees missing education; UN warns funding cuts could worsen the gap, especially at secondary level. Exam Security & Access: India’s Higher Education Secretary inspected the National Testing Agency’s new Minto Road office, focusing on infrastructure and confidential exam safeguards ahead of upcoming tests after the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. India’s Language Preservation Push: India’s education ministry approved five Centres of Excellence for classical languages—Assamese, Bengali, Pali, Marathi and Prakrit—backed by universities including Tezpur, Visva Bharati and Central University of Odisha. Child Protection in Schools: Tamil Nadu arrested an education department trainer under POCSO for allegedly sexually harassing a minor and threatening her over board exams. Special Education Debate: Ontario’s education minister is reviewing whether the province’s inclusion model is working, after auditor general concerns and teacher frustration over support gaps. Higher Ed Capacity Pressure: Universities warn extra funding won’t cover surging applicant numbers as governments try to expand study places. Local School Infrastructure: East Grand Forks voters face ballot measures, including an $11.9m preschool addition, as leaders say buildings lack space.

Refugee Education Crisis: The UNHCR says 5.8 million refugee children were out of school in 2025, with 44% of school-age refugees missing education; UN leaders warn funding cuts could worsen gaps, especially at secondary level. School Safety & Discipline Policy: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson pushes a statewide cell phone ban from first to last bell, aiming to reduce distractions while allowing districts flexibility on storage. Higher Ed Leadership: Binghamton University inaugurated Anne D’Alleva as its eighth president, setting up a new five-year strategic plan shaped by thousands of campus voices. Campus Accountability & Title IX: Cornell’s sexual assault lawsuit fallout is reigniting scrutiny of how universities handle Title IX investigations, as political figures call for clearer standards. Student Protests in France: France saw unrest spread across hundreds of schools, with 400+ closures, nearly 2,000 arrests, and dozens of education workers injured amid demands for staffing and better facilities. Data Security in Schools: Frontline Education notified districts of a data breach after a 48-day delay, highlighting ongoing EdTech supply-chain risks.