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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
U.S. colleges and universities are rapidly introducing artificial intelligence (AI) degree programs as they seek to capitalize on growing student interest and position themselves for an economy increasingly shaped by AI. The number of institutions offering AI majors has grown from just five in 2021 to at least 74 today, with dozens more programs expected to launch this year. The new degrees vary significantly in focus. Some, such as Carnegie Mellon University's pioneering AI program, emphasize the technical foundations of AI, while others concentrate more on practical applications, ethics, data security, and workplace skills. Many programs overlap heavily with traditional computer science curricula, prompting questions about whether some offerings represent meaningful innovation or simply rebranding. Universities view AI degrees as a way to attract students, address changing workforce demands, and demonstrate relevance amid broader challenges facing higher education. Institutions ranging from the University of North Dakota to North Dakota State University are developing new courses and expanding programs, citing strong demand from both traditional students and working professionals seeking AI expertise.
Education Slice
California
San Francisco USD Superintendent Maria Su is preparing to testify before the GOP-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce as the district faces national scrutiny over parental rights, classroom content, transgender policies and race-based instruction. Su’s written remarks emphasize that schools must be both academically focused and inclusive. She says: “We do not pick and choose who we serve,” while stressing that San Francisco USD must follow federal and California laws on privacy, nondiscrimination, safety and parental notice. Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman warned the hearing could become political “theater” and said Su’s priority should be avoiding a damaging viral confrontation.
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Education Slice
Texas
The Texas State Board of Education is set to vote on revised social studies standards that emphasize Christian teachings alongside American history. Critics argue this approach presents an incomplete view of the nation's diverse history, potentially sidelining other religious traditions. Board member Tiffany Clark, D-DeSoto, emphasized that public schools should serve all students, stating: "My faith does not need government endorsement to stand." The proposed standards include biblical figures and stories, reflecting a push for more Christian content in education. Supporters, like Mandy Drogin from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, argue that understanding Christianity's role is essential for grasping American history. However, concerns persist about the potential exclusion of other faiths and the impact on students from diverse backgrounds, as expressed by student Iniya Nandakumar, who noted, "Public schools are meant to serve every student equally." The board's meeting is scheduled for June 22-26 in Austin.
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Education Slice
Florida
Florida TaxWatch has identified 621 projects worth $829.7m in the new state budget that were not properly vetted. The report, released on June 8, emphasizes the lack of a transparent public process, stating that these projects "appeared essentially out of thin air at a budget conference meeting," according to Jeff Kottkamp, Florida TaxWatch's president & chief executive. The report highlights spending in higher education, local parks, and cultural grants, with significant amounts flagged for the University of Florida and Florida State University. Kottkamp noted that the organization does not assess the merit of the projects but focuses on whether they followed established budget processes. The findings come as Gov. Ron DeSantis considers the $114.5bn state budget, with a history of vetoing flagged projects. In previous years, 50% to 75% of identified projects were vetoed, raising concerns about the sustainability of local member projects.
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