AGP Executive Report

Teacher Leadership & Retention: New research and district examples highlight how principals strongly shape whether teachers stay, with one K-12 survey showing retention slipping four points in a year and leadership pipelines becoming a key fix. Teacher Workload & Elections: India’s Delhi High Court told the Election Commission to avoid overburdening schoolteachers with poll duties that pile on after long classroom days. School Safety & Threats: In Pampanga, police filed charges against seven 15-year-old boys over social media threats aimed at a high school annex, warning online intimidation can bring legal consequences. Student Protection in Disasters: Nagpur’s heavy rain flooded a school, but firefighters evacuated students safely as officials issued a weather alert. Campus Security & Infrastructure: In Anambra, students blamed a landlord and caretaker after a hostel collapse; in Punjab, protests followed a PhD scholar’s death from an alleged electric shock. Back-to-School Support: From backpack giveaways in Tennessee to a virtual high school approved in Texas, districts and partners are pushing resources and options for the 2026–27 year. AI in Classrooms: Columbus County Schools is rolling out a curriculum-aligned AI “thought partner” to guide responsible use rather than quick answers. Higher Ed & Mobility: Malaysia marked 454 graduates from a semiconductor academy, while Ghanaian students got EU pre-departure guidance for Erasmus+ study. Policy & Literacy: U.S. senators Cruz and Schatz introduced a bill to steer federal funds toward evidence-based reading instruction.

Teacher Retention & Leadership: New research links teacher turnover to principal influence, with a U.S. district sharing a leadership pipeline model that grows future school leaders from within. Classroom Tech & Phones: States are now moving from cellphone bans to broader screen-time limits, while Montgomery County, Maryland rolls out bell-to-bell phone rules tied to improved learning. School Discipline: Louisiana’s superintendent sent a start-of-year letter pushing peaceful, orderly classrooms and stronger anti-bullying enforcement. Budget Pressure in K-12: Omaha Public Schools approved a smaller teacher raise (1.5% vs. 3%) to avoid layoffs amid a $50M shortfall. Higher Ed Access: New York will guarantee admission options for students displaced when Howard University unenrolled 502 incoming students. Student Support & Equity: Birmingham launched a “Second Chance” scholarship for students facing housing or food insecurity. International Programs: Deccan College opened applications for a five-year integrative Bharat-Vidya PG course aligned to NEP 2020. Teacher Pay Protests: Teachers in Zamboanga Peninsula staged symbolic actions during SONA, demanding higher pay and an end to red-tagging.

Teacher Rights & Pay: In Zamboanga del Sur, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers staged symbolic protests during President Marcos Jr.’s SONA, demanding a P50,000 monthly basic salary, better benefits, and an end to red-tagging and harassment of educators. School Safety in Heat: Arizona State University researchers warn that extreme heat is pushing more school days into the hottest months, while many districts lack plans and infrastructure to protect students during outdoor activities. Digital Credentials & AI Skills: CertiProf says universities can scale online certification programs in 2026, while Canada’s ICTC launches 8-week AI bootcamps for employers and post-secondary students. Classroom Tech Updates: Google Classroom is rolling out a role-aware homepage for its 150M+ users. Student Support & Supplies: Community groups in the U.S. are collecting backpacks and supplies for students, including WeCAN’s Ready-to-Learn drive. Policy & Student Rights: The Trump administration is defending parental rights in cases alleging districts hid gender transition information from parents, with potential funding consequences. Campus Life & Learning: Stanford announced a player-led College Football Players Association chapter, and Pearl Junior High in the U.S. is using an AI robotic dog to teach coding and safety scenarios.

Exam integrity & student safety: India’s Parliament is set to introduce a tougher anti-paper leak Bill, with a higher punishment and fine, as the INDIA bloc pushes for answers over alleged police action against students. Student protest fallout: Delhi Police says 130 police personnel and about 65 students were injured during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march, with 15 FIRs registered. Career pressures: South Korea reports fewer high schoolers aiming for college while more seek jobs or entrepreneurship, alongside a drop in students saying they have a dream job. Back-to-school support: In Jackson, Mississippi, community groups held events with haircuts, supplies, and food for students heading back to class. Scholarships & guidance: Northeast Indiana students received $90,000 in scholarships from 3Rivers Credit Union, including essay/art awards plus financial guidance sessions. Teacher pipeline: Banks County Schools welcomed 22 new teachers for the new year with training on student needs and classroom success. International study pathways: Macao University of Tourism and UQ launched a dual bachelor’s programme, with the first cohort departing for Australia. AI in learning: A new explainer looks at “agentic AI” and what it could mean for student workflows. Infrastructure for learning: Kenya’s Ronald Ngala Utalii College is finally set to open after 12 years, admitting its first 1,000 students in September.

TVET Expansion: Malaysia’s MOHE will build the Jelai Community College in Pahang, a RM55m project aimed at boosting rural access to technical and vocational education, with agrotechnology-focused programmes for at least 240 students. Student Learning in the Field: In Nagaland, Phek Government College students visited the Lozaphuhu Community Conserved Area to connect classroom learning with real conservation work. Teacher Health Security: Uttar Pradesh launched a cashless medical scheme for higher-education teachers, offering medical coverage up to ₹5 lakh for 1.28 lakh staff and dependents. AI in Classrooms: Minnesota’s ROCORI Area Schools is adopting an AI policy developed with the Minnesota School Board Association, setting clear rules for responsible classroom use. Education Accountability & Protest Fallout: India’s NEET paper-leak protests continue to spark political heat in Parliament after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, with opposition demanding accountability over alleged police action against students. Local School Support: Indiana’s state parks grant programme will fund outdoor field trips for students across 72 schools. Academic Recognition: University of Regina’s Arts Work Experience Internship is placing students with community and research partners, while UCO and other colleges report spring honor-roll and dean’s list wins.

NEET Fallout in India: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after weeks of student-led protests over alleged NEET paper leaks, triggering mass rallies and political sparring; Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of authorizing lethal force against students, while Amit Shah framed the resignation as putting “country, youth and students” above office and said reforms on paper leaks will continue. Protest-to-Policy Shift: In Delhi, the Cockroach Janta Party called off its long Jantar Mantar agitation after government assurances on compensation for families of students who died by suicide and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, with broader exam-system reforms promised. School Disruption in the US: Illinois’ Community Unit School District #20 delayed Parkside Elementary’s 2026-27 start after mold was found, moving to a split schedule for other schools. Classroom Shortage in Guam: Guam charter school SIFA is scrambling for temporary classrooms after Guam Community College exit and ongoing permitting/zoning delays. Student Support & Access: New York’s SUNY students get free admission to the Great New York State Fair; Arkansas schools will receive $3.3M for fresh fruit and vegetable snacks; and a US scholarship fund marked 15 years helping Tallahassee State College students. Learning Beyond the Classroom: Philippines’ BSP recycled worn polymer banknotes into armchairs for a Davao City elementary school. Digital Jobs Focus (Malaysia): Malaysia’s MD2030 push for 500,000 digital jobs is urged to prioritize high-skill AI/data/cyber talent to avoid a low-wage job surplus.

NEET Crackdown Fallout: India’s Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after weeks of student protests over alleged NEET paper leaks, with opposition leaders calling it a “victory for students” and demanding wider reforms and accountability for police actions. Student Safety & Legal Push: Lawyers protested alleged police excesses during the July 20 march, while courts are set to hear pleas over police action against protesters; Bihar saw renewed unrest with reports of clashes and detentions. Exam Fraud Beyond NEET: South Korea police arrested people behind proxy TOPIK testing for university admissions, exposing forged IDs and broker-led cheating. Tech in Classrooms Debate: A Kansas middle school rolled back broad laptop use after students used devices for distractions, and other states are reconsidering tech-first policies. Mental Health Support: East St. Louis School District 189 launched a 24/7 crisis line with phone and chat support for students. Learning & Access Wins: Flood-affected Assam students received free replacement textbooks as schools reopened, and Andhra Pradesh’s Thalliki Vandanam scheme credited ₹65,000 to a mother of five for schooling. Campus & Classroom Updates: A new principal took over McNary High School with a focus on connecting with students and the community, while a Cambridge professor faced plagiarism accusations.

Supreme Court Watch (India): India’s Supreme Court agreed to hear pleas alleging excessive police action against students protesting the NEET paper leak, with hearings set for July 27 after clashes during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march. Student Protests (India): Protest pressure is spreading beyond Delhi, with students in Kolkata and Bengaluru staging rallies tied to demands for accountability and changes to the exam system. School Disruption (India): In central Delhi, parents report students stuck in buses for hours and schools shifting to online or hybrid learning as metro service and roads are disrupted around protest zones. Teacher Shortage Plan (Fiji): Fiji’s education ministry is considering deploying final-year students in high-need subjects to help fill gaps, as vacancies rise and teachers cite low pay and overseas moves. Teacher Mental Health (Japan): Japan reported a record number of public school teachers leaving jobs due to mental illness, highlighting mounting workload and student support pressures. Campus Finance Shock (US): Howard University unenrolled 500+ incoming students over unpaid fees just weeks before classes, triggering viral backlash and calls for clearer payment options. Child Safety & Rights (India): India’s NHRC opened suo motu action over allegations of sexual harassment of girl students by a school principal in Punjab, seeking reports from authorities. Local School Changes (US): St. Landry Parish in Louisiana plans to move about 205 students from Grand Coteau Elementary to new campuses as it implements a cost-reduction plan. Community Learning (US): Umatilla School District’s STEAM Academy continues summer enrichment for about 350 students, mixing classroom learning with hands-on robotics, drones, and engineering. Partnerships (Philippines): Manila’s city government received recognition from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines for supporting student training and employment programs.

Education Infrastructure: The Philippines’ classroom crunch remains severe, with a backlog of over 166,000 classrooms and warnings that by 2028 more than 51,000 will be 50+ years old and likely need replacement. Student Safety & Discipline: In Malaysia, Selangor’s education department is backing police investigations after a viral fight between a student and his father left a 16-year-old injured, warning against speculation and sharing minors’ identities. Exam Integrity Protests: In India, student agitation over alleged NEET paper leaks keeps spreading, with Delhi and Kolkata seeing clashes and police action; Delhi High Court and Supreme Court are set to hear related matters, while DU and JNU issued advisories telling students to avoid Jantar Mantar and to use social media responsibly. Funding & Access: Nigeria’s Borno State approved N565.7m to cover 2026 external exam fees for nearly 29,000 public school students, and SUNY students get free Great New York State Fair admission on Student Youth Day. Career Pathways: A new trades-to-college partnership in New York links University of Mount Saint Vincent with Apex Technical School, while South Dakota’s public universities approved fresh AI degree programs. Scholarships & Support: A ₦250m tech scholarship in Nigeria offers training and free laptops for NYSC members and graduates, and a North Las Vegas nonprofit launches an after-school program to keep students on track. Learning & Innovation: UC Davis students built “First Bite,” a device to better secure endotracheal tubes for NICU babies, aiming to reduce re-taping and skin damage.

Student Rights in Court: Five college students in Manila asked the Supreme Court for a temporary order to stop tree-cutting for the SALEx expressway after a lower court rejected their bid on a technicality, arguing the damage to hundreds of mature urban trees can’t be undone. School Infrastructure Funding: Philippine senator Loren Legarda urged lawmakers to treat the classroom shortage as urgent budget work for 2027, citing a projected need for more than 165,000 classrooms and possible condemnation of tens of thousands by 2028. Classroom Design Debate: New Zealand schools are reversing some open-plan classroom conversions, with principals split on whether walls improve learning or whether flexible spaces can work with the right support. Phone Ban Feedback: SUNY Poly seniors surveyed K-12 staff on New York’s student cellphone ban and found broad support, while noting more research is needed on outcomes and bullying. NEET Protest Fallout (India): In India, student protests over alleged NEET paper leaks continue to draw celebrity and legal support, while reports highlight police actions and threats against protesters. Scholarships & Workforce Training: Michigan Tech received an $18,000 Gene Haas Foundation grant to expand CNC training scholarships, and Hamilton College hosted an emergency preparedness drill for campus responders.

Classroom Capacity Crunch (Philippines): Sen. Loren Legarda says the 2027 national budget must tackle the classroom backlog, warning the country needs more than 165,000 classrooms and that tens of thousands could be condemned by 2028. School Infrastructure Delivery (Philippines): DepEd reports it has completed most local partnerships for its 2026 school infrastructure push, mobilizing P49.8B of P67.9B and targeting an initial 14,601 new classrooms. Local Implementation Pressure (Philippines): Infanta Mayor Arnel Ruanto criticizes slow construction, saying no DepEd classrooms have been built yet in his town, leaving students in makeshift “banlat” rooms. Student Protests & Safety (India): In the NEET paper-leak fallout, Salman Khan urged protesting students to go home and said the government will act against those responsible; INDIA bloc leaders also marched to Gandhi Smriti in solidarity. Police Conduct Probe (India): Mumbai Police ordered an inquiry after a viral video allegedly shows a cop threatening student protesters with fake drug cases. Digital Wellness Rules (Philippines): Northern Samar is pushing a “Digital Wellness” ordinance to limit phone use during class hours, citing distraction and online risks. AI in Aid Appeals (US): Financial aid offices are seeing more AI-written “professional judgment” requests that are vague, making it harder to assess real eligibility changes. Scholarships (US): Indiana lawmakers highlighted the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, with hundreds of local recipients preparing to teach in-state. Meals in Summer (US): Prince William County schools reported serving 75,000+ free summer meals to students through USDA programs. Career Pathways (US): Kentucky’s Futuriti.org added a Program & Pathway Finder to help students connect CTE courses to future jobs and further education.

Teacher Pay & Strikes: Thousands of Victorian teachers marched in Melbourne’s CBD for a second major strike after rejecting a pay offer, with unions warning schools will close again unless talks move. Student Protests & Politics: In India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused opposition parties of using students’ NEET protests for political gain as demonstrations continue in Delhi. Gadget Rules in Schools: Northern Samar (Philippines) is pushing a “Digital Wellness” ordinance to restrict mobile phones and other devices during class hours, citing distraction and online risks. Teacher Training Reform: Tanzania will require a one-year supervised internship after graduation before new teachers get a professional licence, aiming to strengthen classroom readiness. College Access & Support: SUNY Broome hosted a social for adult learners to learn about SUNY Reconnect, a program for ages 25–55 pursuing two-year degrees in high-demand fields. Student Safety & Accountability: A former head of Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield was indicted for allegedly failing to protect students from a teacher accused of grooming and rape. Learning Tools & Equity: Isothermal Community College will offer free transportation to students through a state-funded transit initiative. Digital Learning Tech: A report highlights how AI and digital twins are speeding up vocational training by letting students practice simulated operations before hands-on work.

Student Safety & Accountability: In Cavite, the NBI Homicide Division received documents from Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex after a Grade 4 student died following a routine deworming activity, and is awaiting autopsy results. Higher Education Access: The new Tampakan Community College in South Cotabato received CHED clearance to open Aug. 3, starting with a B.S. in Agribusiness for 120 students. Fair Admissions Policy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim said matriculation intake will reward top SPM performers with automatic entry while maintaining Bumiputera quotas to support rural and underprivileged students. International Student Policy: The U.S. DHS finalized rules limiting F and J visa admissions to a maximum four-year period, requiring some students to reapply and risking bans for overstays. AI in Schools: Indonesia’s education ministry and police are expanding AI literacy training for senior and vocational high school students via a “Paham AI” training-of-trainers program. Student Protests & Exams: In India, Sonam Wangchuk says he will end his hunger strike only if the Centre assures no punitive action against NEET protest participants, as student groups continue to demand accountability over alleged exam irregularities. Local Scholarships: Blandin Foundation awarded $1.8M in scholarships to 355 Itasca-area students, supporting enrollment in certificate, community, technical, or tribal colleges.

Campus Safety & Student Life: Oklahoma’s Tallahassee State College is weighing new $30 application and $10 transcript fees, with financial-need exemptions, while Ohio State’s Columbus area is adding about 50 temporary trash and recycling sites to curb illegal dumping during student moves. Student Rights & Privacy: A high-tech school toilet upgrade in the UK is sparking outrage after reports it tracks students’ bathroom visits. Food Access: Cleveland City Schools says its free breakfast and lunch program is keeping students fed through the Community Eligibility Provision. Higher Ed Accountability: California State University San Bernardino’s outgoing president faces backlash over a potential emeritus-style landing after a $12M settlement tied to harassment claims. Education Policy & Protest: In India, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi of using students as “political tools” amid NEET-related protests and police actions; families also report difficulty contacting detained students. Learning & Support Programs: Fresno State students are getting paid healthcare internships, and a Florida “Kindergarten Readiness Week” helps incoming kids practice routines before school starts. Sports & Academics: Denison University athletes were honored at the White House, and multiple colleges earned NABC academic recognition.

Kenya Higher Ed Funding: President William Ruto says Kenya will fully fund all qualifying students admitted to public universities and colleges, replacing the income-based model. Student Protests & Police Response (India): In Delhi’s “Sansad Chalo” protests over NEET paper leak allegations, opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were detained, while students and celebrities condemned police lathi-charge and tear gas; Sonam Wangchuk extended a hunger strike until Parliament takes up the issue. Exam Integrity Crackdown (India): PM Narendra Modi vowed strict action and harsh penalties for those behind the NEET leak, with arrests and re-examination steps reported. Student Debt Crisis (US): An AP analysis finds nearly 300,000 North Carolina borrowers in default, with millions nationally facing worsening repayment problems. AI in Teaching (Egypt): UNESCO-backed launch of a national AI competency framework for teachers aims to guide ethical AI use in training and curriculum. STEM Support (US): PsiQuantum pledged $250,000 to expand STEM programs and internships for Chicago-area high schools and colleges near its quantum campus. Literacy Alarm (US): NAEP results show only about 30–31% of US students at or above “Proficient” in reading, renewing pressure for stronger literacy instruction. Community Relief (Chile): University of Chile students cleared flooded streets in low-income neighborhoods after severe weather, restoring access through volunteer work. Global Student Wins: Iranian teams won eight medals at international Chemistry and Biology Olympiads.

Teacher Shortage & Testing: Tennessee is considering a change to teacher licensure exams that would let candidates retake only the failed sections of Praxis tests, aiming to lower barriers without dropping licensing standards. AI in Classrooms: Jeffco (Colorado) is rolling out Google AI tools with a “red/yellow/green” approach where teachers decide how AI can be used, and students are told they’re responsible for final work. AI Training for Teachers: Rajasthan is piloting AI education in government schools, training about 1 lakh teachers across 10 districts on lesson planning, assessment, and digital safety. Student Protests Over Exam Leaks: In India, students and opposition leaders protested NEET-UG paper leak allegations, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and the dissolution of the NTA, with police clashes reported. Access to Learning During Disruption: In Fiji’s Taveuni, residents and local businesses stepped in to transport students when buses were disrupted, and services resumed after an agreement. College Pathways: Champlain College Online and Georgia’s Technical College System signed a transfer deal letting associate graduates apply up to 90 credits toward an online bachelor’s at reduced tuition. Scholarships & Support: Dhaka University waived tuition for students injured during the July uprising; U.S. local groups also pushed back-to-school aid and scholarships for students and teachers. STEM/Community Learning: A science museum in northeast China drew summer visitors with hands-on exhibits, boosting science literacy.