Penn State Plans Major Downsizing: 12 Branch Campuses Under Review for Closure
Penn State University is evaluating the closure of 12 out of 19 undergraduate branch campuses due to enrollment decline and demographic shifts. President Bendapudi announced that affected campuses will remain operational through 2026-27, with plans to assist students and staff through the transition.
Experts Call for Universal Redefinition of Dyslexia to Improve Student Support
Leading researchers advocate for a standardized definition of dyslexia as a spectrum of processing challenges affecting reading and spelling. The proposed four-stage assessment process aims to create consistency in identifying and supporting students with dyslexia across different regions.
Education Department Demands Reversal of Transgender Athletes' Records in Historic Move
The U.S. Department of Education has called for major athletic organizations to strip titles and awards from transgender women athletes who previously competed in women's sports. The controversial directive follows President Trump's executive order barring transgender participation in female sports at federally funded institutions.
Math Skills Gap: Study Reveals Disconnect Between Academic and Real-World Mathematics
A groundbreaking study in India reveals a stark divide between mathematical abilities of market-working children and school students. While market children excel at practical calculations but struggle with academic math, school students show opposite tendencies, highlighting the need for educational reform.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Lower Academic Scores in Teen Study
Spanish researchers found teenagers who regularly consumed ultra-processed foods scored significantly lower in core academic subjects like math and languages. The groundbreaking study of 800 adolescents reveals concerning connections between diet quality and educational achievement during critical developmental years.
Fort Worth Substitute Teacher Under Investigation for Reporting Non-English Speaking Students to ICE
A Fort Worth ISD substitute teacher faces investigation after suggesting ICE visit North Side High School regarding non-English speaking students. The district has removed the teacher and reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, welcoming schools regardless of students' immigration status.
Community Colleges Launch National Initiative to Democratize AI Education
A transformative $2.8 million NSF-funded consortium of community colleges is expanding access to artificial intelligence training across the US. The initiative brings together major tech companies and educational institutions to create flexible, industry-aligned programs while emphasizing diversity in tech fields.
College Education Adds 11 Years to Life Expectancy, Landmark Study Finds
A groundbreaking study reveals college graduates in the US live approximately 11 years longer than those without high school diplomas, with life expectancies of 84 versus 73.5 years. The education-longevity gap has widened significantly since 2000, highlighting how educational attainment shapes long-term health outcomes.
AI Models Show Major Gaps in Global Historical Knowledge, Scoring Below 50% on Expert Tests
Leading AI models, including GPT-4 Turbo, demonstrate significant limitations in processing complex historical information, achieving less than 50% accuracy on expert-level questions. The study reveals geographical biases favoring Western regions and highlights the continued importance of human expertise in historical research.
Digital vs. Handwritten Notes: New Research Challenges Brain Activity Study
A recent scientific debate has emerged over claims that handwriting notes enhances learning more than typing. While initial research showed increased brain activity during handwriting, critics argue the study's limitations and real-world applicability, prompting new investigations into actual learning outcomes.