Welcome to this week's roundup of the latest news in the world of STEM education.
BBC Education News
1. Teacher Mums Leaving Profession Fuelling Shortages
- Date: 2nd August 2024
- Summary: The BBC highlights the growing trend of teacher mums leaving the profession due to insufficient support and flexible working conditions, exacerbating teacher shortages.
- Read more: Teacher mums who leave profession fuelling shortages
2. Universities Told to Improve Sexual Harassment Protection
- Date: 3rd August 2024
- Summary: Universities across the UK are being urged to implement stronger measures to protect students from sexual harassment, following an increase in reported incidents.
- Read more: Unis told to improve sexual harassment protection
3. Pupils to be Auto-enrolled for Free School Meals
- Date: 5th August 2024
- Summary: New government policy mandates automatic enrolment of eligible pupils for free school meals, aiming to reduce child hunger and improve concentration and performance in schools.
- Read more: Pupils to be auto-enrolled for free school meals
Sky News Education
4. Controversial Free-Speech Law Delayed Over Anti-Semitism Fears
5. Labour Not Ruling Out University Closures
- Date: 2nd August 2024
- Summary: Labour party's education minister suggests that university closures might be considered as part of a broader strategy to reform higher education.
- Read more: Labour not ruling out uni closures
6. Headteacher Bans School Exclusions
- Date: 3rd August 2024
- Summary: A pioneering headteacher has implemented a policy to ban exclusions in an effort to keep children in school and address behavioural issues through support.
- Read more: Headteacher bans school exclusions
Schools Week
7. NEU Executive Recommends Members Accept Teacher Pay Offer
8. Six Proposals to End ‘Motherhood Penalty’ and Boost Retention
9. Teacher Appraisal Guidance: What You Need to Know
FE Week
10. Early Years Provider Buzzing After ‘Outstanding’ First Inspection
11. Government Must Look Again at College Teacher Pay
12. Phillipson Defends ‘Risible’ Partial Level 3 Defunding Pause
Tes Magazine
13. NEU Recommends That Teachers Accept Pay Deal
14. How Quality CPD Could Help Solve the Teacher Recruitment Crisis
15. SQA Results: What Schools Can Expect as Exam Results Are Released
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
16. Early Years Maths Programme Demonstrates Longer-Term Impact on Development
17. Professor Becky Francis to Lead Government’s Independent Curriculum and Assessment Review
18. Education Endowment Foundation Response: NAO Report on Educational Outcomes for Disadvantaged Pupils
Reflections for Teachers
1. Supporting Working Mothers: Consider how your school can provide more flexible working arrangements to support teacher mums and reduce turnover.
2. Inclusive Policies: Reflect on the importance of policies and practices that protect students from harassment and promote safe learning environments.
3. Automatic Support Enrolment: Think about how automatic enrolment for support programs (like free school meals) can positively impact student well-being and performance.
4. Professional Development: Quality CPD is crucial for teacher retention. Explore ways to integrate meaningful professional development opportunities in your school.
5. Assessment and Curriculum Review: Stay informed about upcoming reviews and potential changes to the curriculum and assessment to better prepare and adapt your teaching strategies.
By reflecting on these topics, you can contribute to a more supportive, inclusive, and effective educational environment. Stay engaged with the latest news and continue to inspire and educate the next generation of STEM leaders.