AUSTRALIA

HSC: Top schools' pupils snare disability edge in exam loophole

The Daily Telegraph reports that students are being classified as “disabled’’ in order to undertake their HSC exams. According to the article, private schools are more likely to request disability provisions than government schools. These disability provisions are designated to help disabled students by providing extra time or breaks, or providing a scribe, or reader in exams. These non-government schools are applying for disability assistance at double or triple the rate of other schools.

No short skirts, no make-up, no 'sexy selfies' - school accused of 'slut-shaming'

The Age reports that Kambrya College, the school documented in ABC TV series Revolution School, has been accused of 'slut shaming'. After the Victorian school discovered that it was named on an explicit website, the students were given a list of demands, namely, that they stop wearing short skirts and refrain from taking 'sexy selfies'. It is reported that the girls were told to wear skirts finishing below the knee to "protect their integrity".

Religious instruction to remain in Queensland schools 

Brisbane Times reports that the Palaszczuk Government is expected to launch reform in religious education in Queensland government schools but it won't remove them from the curriculum. The move, according to sources who spoke with Fairfax Media, will ensure that students only participate in religious instruction if their parents permit them to do so. While Victoria made the radical move of taking religious instruction out of the curriculum, it is believed Queensland will not go as far.

Navigating social media when you’re a teacher can be a minefield

An anonymous teacher on News.com.au reports that navigating social media for a teacher is difficult. She describes the difficulty with controlling your social media presence. Other friends on Facebook can tag you in photographs without your consent, allowing people to find the pictures online. According to the anonymous reporter, it is better, in many cases to close all your accounts entirely.

INTERNATIONAL

Second-grade teacher's unique homework policy goes viral

CBS News reports that a second-grade teacher's homework policy has gone viral after a parent shared it on Facebook. The policy she wrote and provided to parents stipulated that no homework was to be done, rather, children were to spend time with their families, play outside, and have an early bed time. The teacher told CBS News “I’m trying to develop their whole person; it’s not beneficial to go home and do pencil and paper work.”

Student banned from wearing niqab in German school

ITV reports that an 18-year old student of the Sophie Scholl Evening Gymnasium in Osnabrück has been banned from wearing her full niqab in classes. The school said it hindered her educational development. She did not front court in her appeal, due to media frenzy, and consequently lost the case.

Teen who impregnated teacher gets $6M from district

USA Today reports that a former student who was in a relationship with a teacher in the Redlands Unified School District, has received a $6 million settlement. This is the largest child sexual abuse settlement against a public entity in US history. The school is said to have failed in its duty to protect the male student who impregnated his teacher.