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The New Year always brings new events and accomplishments, including those related to education, parenting, and learning. As always, we’ve prepared a monthly roundup of positive and interesting news from January that you may have missed.
Famous Works of Art Will Be on Display In UK Schools
Even though they are only available in digital format, this is still exciting news. Over the next two years, as part of the charitable initiative Art in Schools, students in middle and high schools will have the chance to view key works of art that have profoundly influenced human culture and history. These artworks will be displayed on high-resolution "art screens" installed in school halls and cafeterias. The pieces displayed will change weekly, with selections made by a museum curator, artist, or cultural figure assigned to each school or district.
"For most children and parents, art museums feel distant, expensive, and intimidating," says Winton Rossiter, the founder of the charity organization behind the project. Displaying art in schools aims to change this perception while encouraging children and teenagers to explore creativity and develop artistic skills.
The program was tested last November when one school showcased the now-famous banana duct-taped to a wall, an artwork sold for $6.2 million last year. This approach introduces students to classical masterpieces,modern pieces and even controversial works of art, sparking discussions and diverse opinions.
Justin Timberlake Leads a Morning Bike Ride with Students
Famous singer, producer, and actor Justin Timberlake joined the Bike Bus project, an initiative started by a Portland teacher to promote "healthy and eco-friendly biking as a way for students to get to school in large numbers."
It all began when the teacher created a special playlist for the students participating in the project, featuring songs from one of their favorite artists-Justin Timberlake. The teacher frequently shared videos of their rides on social media, set to Timberlake's music, eventually catching the singer's attention. This led to an invitation for Timberlake to join as a special guest on one of the Bike Bus rides.
Although Timberlake couldn't participate during the school week, a Sunday for the Bike Bus featuring the star was set aside. Over 200 children and their families joined Timberlake for a bike ride through the neighborhood to Alameda School. The event concluded with a concert by Timberlake and a photo session with all the students.
Minnesota Bans Phones in Classrooms
The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a law banning mobile phone use during lessons in the fall of 2024, but the policy wasn't implemented and enforced until 2025. The ban received support from over 68% of adults, including politicians, teachers, and parents.
What's the positive impact of this on education? According to child and adolescent psychiatrist Josh Stein, excessive phone use is a major contributor to deteriorating mental health. He notes that just 4 to 5 hours of continuous social media surfing can lead to fatigue, anxiety, decreased focus, and worsening depressive episodes.
Since the ban's implementation, even students have reported noticeable improvements in concentration and overall well-being within just a few weeks. These early results highlight the potential benefits of limiting phone use in classrooms.
Florida Students Spend Saturdays Learning Black History
Every Saturday, students across Florida attend additional history lessons at community centers. These classes cover topics and historical aspects not included in the standard school curriculum. Students learn about the Caribbean roots of South Florida, accounts of lynchings that occurred in the state, and contemporary civil rights activists.
These educational programs, supported by over 400 religious congregations, provide a deeper understanding of Black history and its significance in Florida and beyond.
HSE and Yandex Education Launch Free Online Textbook on Data Analysis
Experts from the Center for Continuing Education at the Higher School of Economics (HSE), collaborating with Yandex Education and students from the master's program Artificial Intelligence, have developed a free digital mathematics textbook for Big Data in Russia.
This online resource is designed for self-study and is aimed primarily at IT professionals who want to master mathematical algorithms in machine learning.
The textbook, structured as a handbook, has an innovative format and several chapters focusing on practical application. It includes interactive materials, such as code examples and quizzes, that help users practice and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. The textbook is already available for download online.
