We just picked some updates at School level globally during the first quarter of 2025. Hope you will find the same insightful.
India
- Kerala School Kalolsavam 2025: Held from January 4–8 in Thiruvananthapuram, this was the 63rd edition of Asia’s largest school arts festival. The event featured over 15,000 students competing in 250 events. For the first time, tribal art forms like Mangalamkali and Irula Nritham were included, highlighting Kerala’s cultural diversity. Thrissur district won the championship after a 25-year gap. Source: Wikipedia: Kerala School Kalolsavam 2025 – Wikipedia
Brazil
- Smartphone Ban in Schools: A national law effective February 2025 restricts smartphone use in elementary and high schools. The law now allows them only for emergencies, educational purposes, or for students with disabilities. The law aims to enhance learning environments and aligns with global trends addressing concerns over bullying, mental health, and classroom distractions. Source: New Brazil law restricts use of smartphones in elementary and high schools | AP News
United States
- AI Integration in K–12 Education: A draft executive order from the Trump administration proposes integrating artificial intelligence into K–12 education. Plans include promoting AI literacy, partnering with private and academic institutions, incorporating AI into teacher training, and establishing AI-related apprenticeships. The initiative aims to prepare students for an AI-driven future. Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/04/22/ai-schools-executive-order-trump-draft
- EdTech Concerns: Critics in the UK and elsewhere have raised concerns about the pervasive use of educational technology in schools, citing potential harm to children’s mental health and cognitive development. Despite growing awareness of the detrimental effects of screens, schools continue to increase tech use under the guise of modern learning. Source: We are letting schools poison our children
France
- Nantes School Stabbing: On April 24, 2025, a 15-year-old male student attacked Our Lady of All Helps High School in Nantes, killing one student and injuring three others. The incident has intensified debates over school security, with officials reporting a 15% increase in bladed weapon incidents in schools over the past year. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Nantes_school_stabbing
China
- Education Reform Plan: China unveiled a comprehensive 2024–2035 plan to become a “strong education nation.” The strategy includes expanding free education, optimizing school distribution, increasing enrollment of high-quality undergraduate students. This will further help in boosting the number of doctoral students, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the education sector over the next decade. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-unveils-2024-2035-plan-build-strong-education-nation-2025-01-19
🌍 Global Initiatives
- International Day of Education 2025: Observed on January 24, the theme was “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation”. This emphasized the role of education in promoting peace and development in the age of automation. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/international-day-of-education-2025-date-history-significance-theme-101737687387143.html
- OECD’s Trends Shaping Education 2025: The OECD released a report exploring how global trends—such as technological advancements, environmental changes, and political shifts—are transforming education systems worldwide. The report aims to inform strategic thinking on how education can shape a better future. Source: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/trends-shaping-education-2025_ee6587fd-en.html
- Inclusive Education Initiatives:
- Moldova: The Ministry of Education and Research, with support from UNICEF and the Global Partnership for Education, procured nearly 500 assistive technology devices for children with visual and hearing impairments, aiming to support inclusive education.
- New York City: A partnership with the ReelAbilities Film Festival provides K–12 educators with access to films and lesson plans focused on disability inclusion, promoting awareness and understanding in classrooms. Source: https://www.inclusive-education-initiative.org/news/inclusive-education-initiative-newsletter-29-march-2025
If you found the above information interesting, add more such news from your region in the comments section.