Based on user reports, the primary issues encountered with the advertisement included slow loading times for video content, instances where the video content failed to load entirely, and advertisements that froze or did not complete. Additionally, users reported that the audio levels on the advertisements were excessively loud. These technical difficulties, along with other unspecified issues, negatively impacted the user experience.
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On Wednesday, Ryan Walters revealed his resignation as Oklahoma State Superintendent on Fox News. Walters is transitioning to the role of CEO at the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization focused on eliminating teachers’ unions and promoting “American exceptionalism” in school curricula. The announcement was also publicized on the organization’s Facebook page. Following the news, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a statement expressing his dissatisfaction with Walters’ tenure. Walters, who was elected State Superintendent in 2022, previously served as Secretary of Public Education under Governor Kevin Stitt, and his term was expected to conclude in 2027.
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A new survey by the American Association of Professors reveals that a significant number of professors in Southern states like Texas and Florida are contemplating leaving their positions due to the current political climate’s impact on education. Roughly a quarter of respondents have applied for higher education jobs in other states since 2023. Professors cite the “broad political climate” as the primary motivator, surpassing salary as the top concern. The recent legislation, like Texas’s SB17 banning DEI initiatives, has led to resource cancellations and staff changes, prompting professors to seek alternative employment.
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In a new development, the Taliban government has instructed Afghan universities to remove books written by women from the curriculum and has also prohibited the teaching of 18 subjects deemed in conflict with Sharia law. This move is part of a broader crackdown on women’s rights, coinciding with the ban on female education beyond the sixth grade. The directive includes a list of nearly 700 books, with 140 written by women. The ban, motivated by the desire to prevent the infiltration of Iranian content into the Afghan curriculum, has raised concerns among educators regarding the void it creates in higher education and its impact on academic standards.
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The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal a continued decline in reading and math scores for high school students, with 12th graders’ scores reaching their lowest levels in over two decades. Eighth-grade students also showed significant losses in science proficiency, indicating a downward trend across multiple grade levels and subjects. Experts note these declines predate the pandemic and point to potential contributing factors such as increased screen time and shifts in teaching methods. Moreover, the achievement gap between highest and lowest performing students widened in both 8th grade science and 12th-grade math.
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To ensure teachers from states like California and New York are not promoting “woke” ideologies, PragerU and the Oklahoma State Department of Education have developed a 34-question assessment. This test covers topics ranging from presidential history and Supreme Court decisions to gender identity. According to State Superintendent Ryan Walters, the assessment aims to protect Oklahoma classrooms from “radical leftist ideology.” Passing the test leads to a PragerU Teacher Certificate, signifying a commitment to traditional values.
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Oklahoma now requires teachers from California and New York to pass a 34-question “America First” certification test developed with PragerU. State Superintendent Ryan Walters asserts the exam protects Oklahoma classrooms from “radical leftist ideology” by ensuring teachers reflect “American values.” The test includes questions on civics, history, gender, and identity, and critics view it as a political loyalty test, potentially worsening the teacher shortage. The initiative, which has already garnered interest from other states, has been met with warnings from opponents who fear the impact on recruitment.
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In response to growing concerns about the effects of social media, South Korea has passed a law banning mobile phones and other digital devices in classrooms, taking effect in March of the following year. This measure formalizes existing restrictions and aims to address the high rates of social media usage among South Korean youth, particularly as the country boasts some of the highest digital connectivity rates globally. The legislation gained bipartisan support and reflects similar restrictions implemented in countries like Australia and the Netherlands, where regulations limiting social media access for young people are also being enacted. While exceptions will be made for students with disabilities or educational needs, some youth advocacy groups have raised concerns about potential human rights violations.
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In response to rising antisemitism and reported hate crimes, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) board voted in favor of a resolution to combat it. The approved measure includes recognizing May as Jewish Heritage Month, displaying the Israeli flag at school facilities, promoting education on Jewish history, and designating October 7, 2023, as an annual day of remembrance. While supporters view the resolution as a crucial step to ensure safety for Jewish students, opponents argue it may blur the lines between supporting the Jewish community and the Israeli government, while also potentially overlooking the needs of other groups. BHUSD officials maintain the flag display does not represent endorsement of a government or geopolitical issues.
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A federal judge has ruled that religious colleges requiring faith statements cannot be excluded from Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options program, deeming the state law unconstitutional. The ruling, a win for two Christian colleges, overturned a 2023 law that sought to protect LGBTQ+ students by banning faith statement requirements. The judge cited First Amendment protections for religious organizations, asserting that the state cannot disqualify private schools from funding solely due to their religious affiliation. This decision also struck down a related nondiscrimination requirement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker