Showing posts with label educational systems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label educational systems. Show all posts

Jay-Z and Roc Nation Face Backlash Over Promises of Debt-Free Education at Long Island University

Jay-Z‘s The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment has faced criticism over claims of providing debt-free education, with numerous individuals stating this assertion may be misleading.

Situated on the Brooklyncampus of Long Island University, the RocNation School made its debut in 2021 With great expectations, including a "Hope Scholarship" initiative designed for students facing the most significant financial challenges. Nonetheless, recently Gothamist The report indicates that numerous students who participated in the program felt deceived, taking on unforeseen debts to join.

One of the school's initial Hope Scholars, Justice Stephenson mentioned that she was subsequently informed she had an outstanding debt of $26,000 in student debt. After presenting proof of the school’s debt-free promise, she was able to negotiate it down to $5,000. Still, she said, “I was offered a debt-free education.”

Dozens of students reportedly received similar letters assuring them they could “graduate without debt.” However, those letters failed to mention that the scholarship excluded university fees and housing costs.

LIU’s head of marketing, Jackie Nealon, claimed, “The offer letter… expressly includes that neither university fees nor housing costs are included in the scholarship.” Yet the original wording made no such clarification.

Students also criticized the school’s quality, alleging that promised guest lectures from stars like Rihanna and DJ Khaled never occurred and that facilities were subpar. Jay-Z and Roc Nation have not responded publicly. The situation echoes issues faced by Kanye West’s Donda Academy, which shuttered in 2022 amid controversy and lawsuits.

It’s unclear if any of the students have taken legal action against the school.

The post Jay-Z and Roc Nation Face Allegations of Deceiving Students With Promises of Debt-Free Tuition at Long Island University appeared first on Baller Alert .

UNESCO and Partners Team Up With African Dyslexia Organization to Empower 500 Teachers in Inclusive Learning

To promote inclusive education, the Africa Dyslexia Organisation (ADO) has initiated a teacher-training program for 500 pre-tertiary educators in Ghana. This initiative was made possible through funding from UNESCO and assistance from the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, as well as contributions from Nessy Learning and NoticeABILITY.

Scheduled from February through April 2025, this program aims to transform the way educators recognize, assist, and encourage students who have dyslexia and various other learning challenges.

As Ghana’s educational approach moves towards greater inclusion, this training represents more than just an initiative; it marks a significant change in perspective. The aim is to create a future wherein every child can thrive without being held back by unrecognized learning difficulties.

Through providing educators with evidence-based instructional strategies, the program aims to transform learning environments, support underperforming pupils, and break the chain of educational marginalization.

Tackling the critical requirement for equitable education

Dyslexia along with various other learning disabilities impact numerous students globally; however, many cases go unnoticed, especially within educational frameworks such as those found in Ghana and across many African nations. Incorrect beliefs surrounding these challenges often result in students being misjudged as unintelligent, sluggish, or incompetent, thereby denying them the chance to reach their full potential.

Even though policies advocate for inclusive education, many teachers in Ghana aren’t adequately trained to identify and assist students with dyslexia and similar learning challenges. To address this issue, the Inclusive Education Training program for pre-tertiary schoolteachers aims to fill this void by providing educators with essential resources, techniques, and self-assurance required to foster an inclusive classroom environment.

Education shouldn’t be limited to those who conform to conventional learning methods; instead, it ought to be a fundamental right available to all children irrespective of how they process knowledge," states Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey, Executive Director at the Africa Dyslexia Organisation. "By changing how educators address varied learning needs, we can establish a fairer educational framework not just in Ghana but also further abroad.

Training designed for impact

This comprehensive and engaging training program combines cutting-edge scientific studies with practical applications and interactive teaching methods to guarantee that educators grasp the intricacies of dyslexia and can implement successful tactics within actual classroom settings.

Participants will benefit from:

  • A blend of live virtual classes and independent study via Nessy Online Training, a widely recognized platform for dyslexia education.
  • Interactive, scenario-driven education where educators utilize their skills through authentic classroom situations and hands-on acting tasks.
  • Opportunities for mentorship and networking with top specialists in special education and literacy growth.

The program encompasses essential topics such as:

  • Introduction to Special and Inclusive Education
  • Screening for Dyslexia and Other Educational Variations
  • Creating Personalized Educational Programs (IEPs)
  • Multisensory and Individualized Instructional Approaches
  • Classroom Management for Effective Inclusive Education
  • Mental Health and Well-Being for Teachers

Nessy contributes 1,200 licenses for teacher training.

Nessy Learning has extended the accessibility of the training by donating 1,200 licenses for their Understanding Dyslexia course. This initiative enables educators to gain specialized knowledge in recognizing and addressing dyslexia through targeted instructional strategies.

This will:

●\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Improve teachers' ability to identify and assist students who have dyslexia.

●\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Supply teachers with organized, evidence-based educational units.

●\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Guarantee enduring influence through providing extended availability to specialized dyslexia educational materials.

Unique entry to NoticeAbility’s Talent Recognition Program

In an effort to enhance teacher capabilities, NoticeABILITY has pledged to offer free licenses to 200 distinguished educators upon successful completion of the required training. These selected educators will gain unrestricted use of the NoticeABILITY program—a tool aimed at assisting instructors in recognizing and fostering exceptional abilities among their students, specifically focusing on individuals with dyslexia and similar learning challenges.

This exclusive offering will:

  • Supply educators with specialized materials to recognize pupils' abilities and educational preferences.
  • Move the emphasis away from academic difficulties towards nurturing talents, promoting an educational method focused on strengths.
  • Provide teachers with resources to help steer pupils towards professions and chances that match their innate talents.

Dyslexia isn’t just about struggling with reading; it’s a distinct mode of thought typically linked with creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial spirit," explains Dean Bragonier, founder of NoticeABILITY. "By providing educators with our program, we ensure that students who could be easily ignored get an opportunity to uncover their distinctive abilities and gifts.

An appeal for action — forging the path toward equitable education

Thanks to UNESCO’s funding and significant backing from major educational organizations, the Africa Dyslexia Organisation is urging educators, school administrators, policymakers, and business allies to contribute to teacher training and promote inclusive education.

The real gauge of a country's advancement lies in how effectively it fosters the capabilities of its least advantaged students," stresses Kyere-Nartey. "We encourage governmental bodies, global organizations, and corporate allies to assist in expanding this effort so that each educator in Ghana and throughout Africa can better cater to varied learning needs.

Results of the program - a profound effect on educational transformation

By the conclusion of the training, the participating educators will:

  • Acquire specialized knowledge in inclusive education and learning challenges.
  • Acquire practical skills to assist students with dyslexia and similar learning challenges in actual classroom settings.
  • Learn advanced multi-sensory teaching methods to boost student engagement.
  • Join a expanding network of teachers championing systematic transformation.

Past Training: Ensuring Lasting Impact

ADO continues to be dedicated to making sure that the influence of this training reaches well past the classroom walls. Programme graduates will gain access to:

  • Unlimited lifetime access to educational resources and archived webinars for ongoing career growth.
  • Continuous mentoring and coaching to aid in applying strategies within their classrooms.
  • A specialized group of skilled teachers who create a robust community for professional development and mutual assistance.

This initiative goes beyond being merely a training program; it represents a push for a more inclusive and fair educational framework that values the potential of each student. By working together, we have the power to reshape learning environments and make a lasting impact on individuals' futures.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

51 Edo University Students Receive $320K in Education Loans – AVC

BENIN – So far, 51 students at Edo University, Iyamho, have been awarded a total of N61.4 million through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, known as NELFUND.

Prof. Dawood Egbefo, who is the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, made this disclosure at a sensitization program for students from the Edo North Senatorial District regarding the loan initiative.

The event was organized by NELFUND in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Education to motivate students to utilize the program.

As stated by the AVC, "You might find it noteworthy that after joining the NELFUND program, a total of N61.4 million has been distributed, benefiting 51 students."

Today's awareness program provides us with a chance to examine how NELFUND can keep acting as a symbol of hope for students in Edo State.

"I urge all participants to fully utilize this platform to ensure they receive maximum benefit from these funds," he stated.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for backing the development and enhancement of education in Nigeria.

"I want to extend our profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his guidance and steadfast backing of educational development in Nigeria, along with his aspiration for a thriving and highly educated country," he stated additionally.

Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, showed his dissatisfaction with the small number of Edo state students who applied for the loan.

The Education Commissioner acknowledged that the number of beneficiaries within the state is still quite small; nevertheless, they encouraged students to seize the opportunities presented by the program.

"We have reason for concern; therefore, we are conducting this awareness program to ensure our community members stay informed and can take advantage of this commendable initiative, bringing significant benefits their way," he said.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Don Urges FG to Prioritize Skill Acquisition for Tertiary Students

Dr. Vincent Paul, who serves as a senior lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has urged the federal government to prioritize vocational training in higher educational institutions to address the growing issue of graduate unemployment in Nigeria.

At the inaugural matriculation ceremony of Vineyard Polytechnic located in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Saturday, Paul emphasized the importance of equipping students at tertiary institutions with hands-on skills. This approach aims to empower them to generate employment opportunities and take up roles as job creators instead of solely seeking white-collar positions.

While delivering a lecture titled 'Revitalizing Nigerian Polytechnic Education for Youth Empowerment,' the professor expressed concern that Nigeria was trailing behind nations such as India and China, where young people’s involvement in production and manufacturing has considerably stimulated economic progress.

The upliftment of Nigerian youth continues to be a significant hurdle. Despite constituting the bulk of the population, young individuals face some of the toughest obstacles when it comes to finding economic prospects.

"Polytechnic institutions are essential in filling this void by providing students with technical and vocational expertise. The present syllabus, formulated by the National Board for Technical Education, includes classroom instruction, practical lab and workshop sessions, along with hands-on industry exposure," he stated.

However, Paul emphasized that Nigeria needs to move away from traditional classroom instruction towards an experiential learning model centered on skills development, fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.

"To ensure the prosperity of our young generation, institutions such as Vineyard Polytechnic should prioritize fostering entrepreneurship. This approach will cultivate innovation, enhance problem-solving abilities, and develop strong business instincts amongst the students," he noted.

Paul highlighted that Nasarawa State University has been actively fostering entrepreneurship. The university recently set up the Entrepreneurship Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited with the aim of assisting students in cultivating their business concepts.

He encouraged Vineyard Polytechnic to establish itself as a center for creativity and innovation, making sure that graduates leave with more than just degrees—equipped instead with practical abilities that will help them succeed in a changing economic landscape.

During his speech, the Interim Rector of Vineyard Polytechnic, Solomon Aganda, conveyed gratitude to the guest speaker and announced that the institution was admitting 93 founding students across its different schools.

"The polytechnical institution comprises four faculties: Engineering, Science and Technology, Business Administration and Social Sciences, as well as Health Sciences. We've obtained necessary approvals from the NBTE for all the programs we provide," he stated.

Agenda stressed the importance of transforming educational approaches, asserting that the prevailing situation wherein graduates wander around looking for employment needs to be overturned.

" numerous young individuals possess certifications yet lack job opportunities. It is essential to alter this scenario by providing them with the appropriate skill set, enabling them to generate employment prospects rather than merely seeking jobs," he emphasized.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

Education Summit: Leaders Urge Investment in School Infrastructure

By Kodjo Adams

On March 15, Accra - The Ghana News Agency reports that participants at the National Education Forum urged the government to prioritize funding for improving foundational educational facilities in order to boost accessibility.

The investment must incorporate cutting-edge financial strategies to close the rural-urban divide in fundamental education accessibility and standards, ensuring every child within compulsory schooling age has the chance to enroll in a comprehensive primary school.

This statement was made in a communiqué presented by Professor George K.T.Oduro, who serves as the Chairperson of the National Education Forum Planning Committee, following the conclusion of the Forum on Thursday.

The Forum, centered around the topic "Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future," was held from February 19 to March 13, 2025.

It followed a structure based on zonal stakeholder participation and town hall meetings across five main themes.

The items listed include: infrastructure; high-quality education; regulatory frameworks, accountability measures, and good governance; funding for education; as well as research and data collection.

The participants comprised religious groups, student bodies, local influencers, and NGOs operating in the educational sector.

The statement highlighted the significant disparity in fundamental educational facilities, availability, and standards, leading to shortfalls in obtaining high-quality basic education within underprivileged areas.

The organization urged the Government to make intentional investments aimed at narrowing the gap in the quality of basic education between rural and urban regions.

"The government needs to implement a fair distribution plan for educational funding, giving precedence to primary education, as this forms the bedrock of our educational structure," it stated.

The stakeholders suggested enhancements in providing accommodations and benefits for educators in necessary regions, encompassing increased teacher wages, improved welfare measures, and scholarship opportunities.

They encouraged the government to establish regulations for parent-teacher associations, faith-based organizations, and other stakeholders via a structured framework aimed at boosting their efficiency, involvement, acknowledgment, and influence.

Regarding the infrastructure for senior high schools, the statement demanded immediate actions to enhance school facilities and eliminate the double-shift system.

The forum included participation from 5,000 stakeholders throughout Ghana and garnered more than 2,000 submissions from both individuals and organizations. This also encompassed a study involving three sections which surveyed over 20,000 participants.

GNA

ABD

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

Can Colleges Bridge the Skills Gap for Struggling Engineering Graduates in India?

India's engineering education system is churning out millions of graduates, yet a significant employability gap persists, with only 43 percent securing jobs. Traditional teaching methods, often rooted in outdated curricula and theoretical knowledge, fail to equip students with industry-relevant skills. The key to bridging this gap lies in behavioural scienceshifting the focus from what students should "know" to what habits they should form.

Encouraging daily coding practice, fostering hands-on learning, and redefining assessments can drive meaningful skill development. As technology evolves rapidly, colleges must adapt, rethink policies, and create an ecosystem where students actively build, experiment, and innovate.

Arindam Mukherjee, Co-founder and CEO of NextLeap, emphasises that colleges must rethink education by focusing on behavioural science and practical skill-building

AICTE data for the period between 2019-20 and 2022-23 indicates that there were a total of 6.01 million students enrolled across diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels of engineering education but only 2.64 Million (~43 percent) were successfully placed in jobs.

SO, HOW DID WE END UP HERE?

Talk to anyone and you will be pointed towards reasons like an outdated curriculum, an absence of a skills' taxonomy in the industry, lack of industry exposure for the teaching faculty and more.

But if you look deeper, the answer might lie in an understanding of behavioural science.

Learning is not a product of teaching, it is a product of the activity of the learner. This means for a learning experience to be effective, it should be able to drive certain desired behaviours amongst students. A recent paper published by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, outlined which interventions do (and don't) lead to behaviour changes.

What they found is that knowledge-based interventions, e.g. sharing theoretical knowledge in a classroom, have a negligible impact on behaviour change. On the other hand, behaviour skills training and habit formation, e.g. providing curated learning resources and opportunities for practical application, show the strongest effects on changing behaviours.

So, how do we shift our mindset from asking "what should the student KNOW" to "what is the habit we want our students to form"? The question we should be asking ourselves is not "How do we ensure our students know about arrays" - it should be "How do we ensure our students code for an hour every day".

This will require colleges to rethink every aspect of the education system. For example, should the professors be responsible for teaching the content or acting as a guide or mentor? Should the assessments be in the form of a quiz/test or a demo day when students present their work? How do we build an environment in which students "want" to learn? Answers to these questions might redefine how colleges are managed today.

HOW DO WE GET TO THIS DESIRED STATE?

The answer again lies in behavioural science. The research paper also points to the fact that structural and policy-level interventions tend to be more impactful in driving behaviour changes. There needs to be a rethink on the education policy front around the effectiveness of college education and the changes required.

This is even more important in today's age, because the half-life of tech skills is getting shorter with every passing day and academia can never catch up to the latest happenings in the world of technology unless there's a complete rethink on college education.

For India to realise benefits from its demographic dividend, a skilled workforce is paramount and colleges have a massive role to play in building a skilled talent economy. The question is, are the colleges in India ready?

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