Latest news with #K12
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
AI education is vital for Washington. Trump's order will help
President Donald Trump recently used his executive pen to advance AI education across the country. Signed on April 23, the 'Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth' executive order implements a federal AI education framework for all K-12 schools and more. The president checks nearly every box that proponents of AI education are advocating for. The order creates a federal task force, holds student competitions, fosters industry collaboration and fast-tracks grant programs. According to the AI education order: 'To ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution, we must provide our Nation's youth with opportunities to cultivate the skills and understanding necessary to use and create the next generation of AI technology. By fostering AI competency, we will equip our students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to and thrive in an increasingly digital society.' A high-level White House Task Force on AI education will be led by Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The task force also consists of cabinet members and agency heads from the departments of education, labor, energy, agriculture and the National Science Foundation. Its role is to organize national AI education efforts. The order specifies that federal agencies will work with industry, academic researchers and nonprofits to create online materials that will help teach K–12 students the basics of AI literacy and critical thinking. A national contest will be used to promote and showcase student and educator AI successes, advancing technology and spurring cross-sector collaboration. Idaho, Washington, Montana and Wyoming all have something different to offer to the national conversation about AI education, and all have something to gain from the federal executive order. Each state has its challenges, but the opportunity is the same: Equip students to go from being tech consumers to tech creators in the AI-driven economy. By matching the national strategy, states throughout our region can make the most of this federal push in some very specific and important ways. Idaho can take advantage of federal dollars to boost its already strong STEM programs and give more rural educators AI teaching tools. Washington has an opportunity to turn its tech-sector supremacy into in-classroom success, establishing more effective collaboration between industry and public education through partnership, apprenticeship and early career pipelines. Montana, with AI integration, can empower its distance learning architecture and level the playing field so rural students have access to the same advanced tools that urban students do. Wyoming has the opportunity to integrate AI literacy throughout its expanding career and technical education pathways, which have the potential to not only prepare students for college but also high-skill, high-wage jobs in an ever-changing workforce. The executive order on AI education acknowledges the need to get the next generation ready for a future where AI is central. The Mountain States region could extract great value by supporting the effort and ensuring that its youth are not only technology consumers, but also technology creators and leaders in the AI-fueled world. Sebastian Griffin is the lead researcher for the Junkermier Center for Technology and Innovation at Mountain States Policy Center, an independent research organization based in Idaho, Montana, eastern Washington and Wyoming. Online at
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill that would ban cellphones in Texas public schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk
A bill banning Texas K-12 students from using cellphones in school is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk, with local school districts set to decide how the new rule will be applied. House Bill 1481, introduced by Rep. Caroline Fairly of Amarillo, seeks to restrict the use of 'personal wireless communication devices' in K-12 schools. The Texas Senate passed it unanimously on Sunday. It also received overwhelming support in the House, which voted 136-10 to approve it in April. Under the bill, students will not be allowed to use their cellphones during the school day. School districts will decide where students can store their phones, such as secure pouches, lockers, charging stations or backpacks. The policy also requires schools to have disciplinary actions in place for students who break the rules, including the possibility of confiscating their phones. Students who need their phones for medical or safety reasons will be allowed to keep them. If signed by the governor, the bill will become law on Sept. 1. Texas would join several other states that already enforce similar policies, including California, Florida, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Louisiana, Virginia and South Carolina. Another 26 states have proposed bans, and some Texas school districts have already put the policy in place. Supporters of the ban argue that cellphones are a major distraction in the classroom and can hurt students' mental health. Research supports this, indicating that excessive phone use can interfere with students' ability to focus and engage in class. Fairly, the only Gen Z member of the Texas House, said she understands firsthand the negative impact of social media on students. 'When you see what is being pushed on social media and the distraction it causes in the classroom, there is a need for our government to support our educators,' she told The Texas Tribune in March. Another common argument in favor of the bill is the potential to reduce bullying. According to Pew Research, 44% of K-12 parents who support the ban cite a decrease in cyberbullying as a major reason. Critics worry that banning phones could make it harder for parents to communicate with their children during the school day. Others are concerned about student safety, arguing that in an emergency, students should be able to access their phones to call for help. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
A third of Gen Z feels ‘pressure' to become social media creators—and most say their schools encourage it
Graduating from high school is a huge rite of passage, but entering the working world, especially in uncertain economic times, can be intimidating. According to a new study, a big chunk of high school graduates say they don't exactly feel prepared for post-school challenges, especially when it comes to a few necessary life skills. And many feel pressured to lean into influencer culture as a way to make ends meet. The national survey, which was commissioned by K12, an accredited online K through 12 school, asked 300 recent high school graduates and 200 parents about how confident they were upon entering the real world. Notably, less than a third (32%) of recent grads said they felt their high school years had equipped them. Teen boys felt less prepared than girls, with 23% rating their 'real world' confidence at 3 or below on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most confident. Meanwhile, 16% of female grads said the same. Questions on where their confidence was lacking highlighted a few areas where recent grads felt most insecure, which, somewhat surprisingly, seemed to be the very rites of passage that young adults once looked forward to: 34% said they didn't feel confident about managing their own money, 27% didn't feel ready to live independently, and 26% cited communicating effectively as a concern—perhaps a display of how online communication has peaked in recent years in lieu of in-person communication. Recent grads' biggest fears echoed those insecurities, with 44% saying that they were worried about becoming financially secure. In addition to a challenging job market and an uncertain economy, those grads largely felt that their high schools didn't equip them with some key life skills—mainly, financial skills. A staggering 62% said they wish they'd learned how to do their taxes, 60% said the same of being taught about credit scores and loans, and 51% also noted that they wished they had learned how to invest. Given many high school grads don't feel quite ready for the real world, it makes sense that most teens said they plan on attending college after graduation: 90% said college is in their future. However, there was another notable trend that grads are likely to lean into after high school: becoming an influencer. More than a third, or 34% said they felt pressure from social media to become content creators or entrepreneurs, which is hardly surprising given just how common the side gig, or even full-time career, has become. But interestingly, it's not just social media that's steering teens toward content creation. According to the report, 56% said their high school actually encouraged students to 'explore alternative career paths.' Those alternatives were things like trades, gig work, and yes, content creation. Given the lives of young adults today are so broadly shaped by social media and influencer culture, the pull to dive into content creation makes perfect sense. Still, teens are rightly worried about whether or not they have the financial literacy to turn influencing into income.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GEMS education expands to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain with new partnership
UAE-based GEMS Education, is broadening its presence in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. This follows First School Management (FSM) — the schools' advisory arm of GEMS Education — signing its inaugural intellectual property agreement with Spark Education Platform (SEP). GEMS will now introduce its brand to SEP's select schools across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. SEP, recognised as one of the region's fastest-growing K-12 school operators, currently oversees four schools with a combined capacity of over 10,000 students. The group aims to expand to more than 20 schools with 20,000 students across Saudi Arabia and the GCC within the next five years. SEP is backed by the Saudi Education Fund (SEF), which is managed by EFG Hermes — a subsidiary of EFG Holding and the region's leading investment bank. Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, said, 'Our vision has always been to make world-class education accessible to as many students as possible. The launch of First School Management is a natural extension of this commitment, and this partnership with Spark Education Platform is the first of many. We are seeing strong global demand for our expertise and are excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to support schools in delivering outstanding education in diverse international contexts.' Under this long-term agreement, FSM will deliver a defined range of services through a licensing model to support SEP's operation of GEMS-branded schools. Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company, said, 'After our great success story in Egypt, I am honored to expand our partnership with First School Management into Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as key GCC markets with significant demand for new high-quality K-12 education capacities.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico Celebrates Class of 2025
Graduates Head to College, Careers, and Military Service After Earning Diplomas Online GALLUP, N.M., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Destinations Career Academy of New Mexico (NMDCA), the state's largest full-time online public school program, celebrated a major milestone on Friday, May 23, as 200 students from across the state graduated during a live ceremony held at Gallup Public School Stadium. These students thrived in a digital learning environment that offered flexibility and strong academic support. Among the graduates were 19 students who completed their coursework early, 111 who plan to pursue college or certification programs, 60 entering the workforce, and 9 enlisting in the military. Post-secondary destinations include institutions such as the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Navajo Technical University, and community colleges across the state. "The Class of 2025 is a powerful reminder that success comes in many forms,' said Stride K12 Superintendent of Schools, Adam Hawf. 'Many of our graduates faced personal and academic challenges that could have derailed their path, but they showed up, day after day, with resilience and drive. NMDCA provided the flexibility, support, and academic structure these students needed to reach this important milestone and we celebrate their success.' Since its founding in 2020, NMDCA has served as a lifeline for families seeking a high-quality education that meets students where they are. The school program now serves more than 4,000 K–12 students and consistently delivers strong academic outcomes. NMDCA reports a 97 percent daily attendance rate, which exceeds that of the local district, along with parent satisfaction rates more than twice the national average. The school program has made measurable progress in closing achievement gaps for over half its students. As part of the Stride K12 family of schools, NMDCA benefits from a national network of educational expertise and innovation. Cognia, a nonprofit accrediting organization that evaluates schools worldwide, awarded Stride-supported schools an Index of Education Quality score of 327. This score is well above the global average of 296 and confirms Stride's standing among the top tier of educational providers. About Destinations Career Academy of New MexicoDestinations Career Academy of New Mexico (NMDCA) is a tuition-free online public school program that serves students in grades K-12 from across New Mexico, offering a blend of core academic subjects and career-focused programs. Powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, the school helps students gain valuable skills for future success, whether in higher education or the workforce. Explore more at About K12For 25 years, K12 has been a national leader in online education, serving over three million learners. Dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential through inspired teaching and personalized learning, K12 delivers tech-driven and accessible solutions to prepare students for bright futures. Tuition-free schools and programs are available in 30 states. K12 is a portfolio brand of Stride, Inc. (LRN). CONTACT: Brooke Gabbert Stride Inc. bgabbert@
