WEEKLY WHITEBOARD 📝

The returns to education are high in most countries. An additional year of schooling increases earnings by 10 per cent a year. 😮

In the last Weekly Whiteboard, we shared some engaging activity ideas to supplement your school's sustainability education programme. This week, we're highlighting an incredible article on how effective education spending can solve world problems!

A report by the World Bank highlights that effective education spending is crucial for reducing poverty and boosting earnings, as it ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to enhance learning outcomes.

With this in mind, here's what we'll cover in this edition. 👇 

💪 Education and poverty reduction: How effective education spending can reduce poverty and boost earnings.

News updates that matter: 

• 💡UK Union leaders have voiced that Ofsted still has a long way to restore credibility. 
• 💡From changing tyres to cooking — UAE schools lay immense emphasis on teaching students life skills.
• 💡UK university students share concerns over skipping lectures

Education tidbit:

🧠 In Sweden, there are schools where traditional classrooms with walls are replaced by open-plan spaces to encourage interaction and collaboration among students. These environments are designed to foster a more dynamic and flexible learning experience.

THURSDAY SPOTLIGHT: EFFECTIVE EDUCATION SPENDING

The World Bank draws attention to the need for strategic investment in education to maximise returns and support sustainable economic growth.

Here are five key highlights from the report to improve efficiency in education spend:

1) Foundational learning priorities: Emphasising universal foundational learning and transversal skills, such as digital and socio-emotional skills.

2) Targeted interventions: Focusing on high-impact interventions like teaching at the right level and providing teachers with lesson plans and coaching.

3) Diagnostic assessments: Implementing student assessments that provide diagnostic feedback to improve learning outcomes.

4) Budget reforms: Strengthening budget planning, financial management, procurement, and management capacity to ensure efficient use of resources.

5) Youth skilling programmes: Investing in skill development programmes, particularly for those aged 15-25, to yield high economic returns and prepare a skilled workforce 

Read the full blog here.

You can also find out more here.

TOP THREE EDUCATION UPDATES 💡

The latest news:  

1️⃣ Watchdog's credibility: Leaders' unions urge Ofsted to undergo significant reforms, emphasising that its single-phrase judgments cause severe teacher stress and contribute to the recruitment crisis. They call for a 48-hour inspection notice and inspectors with relevant school experience. Despite the introduction of its 'Big Listen' consultations, NAHT union leader Paul Whiteman asserts Ofsted must work to restore credibility among educators.

Why it matters: It highlights several unions' efforts to bring about changes in Ofsted's inspection practices to alleviate stress on educators and address the recruitment crisis. (Via Schools Week)

2️⃣ Life skills 101: Schools in the UAE are equipping pupils with essential life skills, including changing car tyres, cooking, and managing taxes. Clubs and programmes are being formed to teach practical skills such as outdoor survival, bushcraft, and tool use. Students from a young age are also taught safe handling of tools like potato peelers, hammers, and axes. This initiative by UAE schools aims to prepare students comprehensively for life beyond the classroom.

Why it matters: It highlights a progressive approach in UAE schools to equip students with practical life skills essential for their future independence and success. (Via The National News)

3️⃣ Attendance plummet: UK university students reported plummeting attendance, with many regularly skipping classes. About half of the students who reached out to the Guardian expressed disappointment with their overall university experience. Financial difficulties, lack of enthusiasm for lecture formats, and low motivation were other key reasons cited. Students feel attending classes is unlikely to improve their grades, leading to widespread disengagement.

Why it matters: It sheds light on a crisis in university engagement driven by financial pressures and dissatisfaction with traditional teaching methods. (Via The Guardian)

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8billionideas Tales 🔊

It's always heartwarming to see the transformative outcome of our learning experiences! 💚😍

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For students — it gives them holistic exposure to the 'world of work' and equips them with real, transferable skills essential to thrive in the 21st century. 🚀

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