Business

Proposed Loan Limits Spark Concern Over Educator Pipeline

New federal proposals regarding graduate school loan limits are raising concerns within the education community,specifically regarding the potential exclusion of education degrees from the definition of “professional degrees.” This omission could significantly impact access to advanced education for aspiring teachers and school leaders, according to experts.

Data from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) reveals the financial realities faced by graduate education students. In 2019-20, students at the 75th percentile borrowed approximately $39,000 in total graduate school loans, while those at the 90th percentile borrowed nearly $61,500. However, the median amount borrowed remained below the proposed $100,000 limit for all graduate and doctoral students.

Despite this, stakeholders fear the change could discourage individuals from pursuing advanced degrees in education. Senator Elizabeth Warren voiced concern that the proposed limits could lead to “fewer candidates, fewer future leaders, fewer diverse voices, fewer doctoral students, fewer highly educated and highly prepared educators in our classrooms.” warren herself has accumulated roughly $100,000 in student loan debt since graduate school.

The Education Department maintains that 90% of education graduate students currently borrow below the annual loan limit and would thus be unaffected by the proposed caps. However, the department anticipates that institutions with tuition rates exceeding market value may be prompted to lower their costs consequently of the reforms outlined in the “One Big, Lovely Bill.”

Critics point out that the data used by both the Education Department and AACTE is over five years old and doesn’t reflect current economic conditions. Warren argues that graduate students are now borrowing more than they were five years ago, and the proposed limits would “place additional burdens on students who are already stretched so thin,” given rising tuition and the cost of living.

The potential impact extends beyond teacher preparation. The national Association of School Nurses (NASN) also expressed concern over the exclusion of nursing from the “professional degree” definition,stating it could restrict access to advanced education crucial for licensure,certification,and leadership roles for school nurses. NASN further argued the proposal risks devaluing advanced nursing preparation, despite the complex skills and competencies required in school nursing, including clinical judgment, public health expertise, and systems leadership.

The debate highlights a broader concern about the message sent by excluding education and nursing – potentially signaling that advanced preparation in these fields is “less than” other professional disciplines.

Gaza ⁤Ceasefire: ‌A Critical Window⁤ to Save Children’s Lives – UNICEF Scales Up Aid, Donations Matched

Gaza – A fragile ceasefire offers a crucial opportunity to deliver desperately needed aid​ to children in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic⁣ after two years of relentless conflict. UNICEF is scaling up its response,‌ providing lifesaving support, ⁤but urgently requires ⁢continued funding to ‌reach those moast in need. For a limited time, every dollar donated will be doubled thanks to‌ a generous matching gift from ⁣Islamic Relief Australia, ​up to $500,000.

the conflict, escalating significantly⁤ in October 2023, has⁣ resulted ⁢in the tragic deaths of nearly 20,000‌ children, with tens of thousands⁢ more ‍sustaining life-altering injuries.even with the ceasefire, ‍the crisis persists. Famine‌ looms, severe malnutrition is spreading, and families face immense hardship due to displacement and the destruction of ⁣essential infrastructure.

Winter’s Harsh⁤ Reality

The onset of winter exacerbates the already dire conditions. Over 1.9 million people⁤ are displaced, ⁤many sheltering in inadequate makeshift accommodations offering little protection from⁣ the bitter cold. Urgent provision of warm clothing,​ blankets, ⁤tarpaulins, and tents is critical for child survival.

UNICEF’s On-the-Ground Response

Despite immense challenges,UNICEF⁣ teams remain steadfastly in Gaza,committed to supporting children and families for as long as it takes to recover and rebuild. Current efforts‌ include:

* ​ Essential⁢ Supplies: ⁤Distribution of winter clothing, blankets,‍ hygiene kits, and ‌sanitary ‍items.
* ⁢ ⁢ Shelter⁢ & Education: Providing tents and establishing temporary learning spaces.
* Nutrition & Health: Screening and treating children suffering from malnutrition, providing access to clean water, ​immunizations, and mental health support.
* Family Reunification: Working to ⁣reunite separated children with their families.
* ​ Direct Delivery: During previous ceasefires, UNICEF ​teams delivered aid directly to vulnerable ‍families, reaching malnourished children and pregnant women in their ​shelters.

A Glimmer of Hope, But ⁣Urgent ​action Needed

“The world must⁣ not look away as​ children in ‌Gaza struggle to survive,” a UNICEF spokesperson stated. “

Tesla Launches More Affordable Model 3, ⁣starting at €36,990

Milan, Italy – Tesla has expanded its Model 3 lineup⁢ with a new‍ Standard version, offering a⁢ lower entry point to electric vehicle ownership starting at ⁣€36,990.The announcement introduces a ⁢more accessible option alongside the existing Premium Long Range and Performance models,and⁣ provides an choice to outright ⁣purchase with monthly installments beginning at‍ €299.

The‍ new Model 3 Standard maintains key features found in higher-end trims, differentiating⁤ it from the ⁢more stripped-down approach taken with the base Model Y.Notably,it retains the glass roof and front trunk (“frunk”). The vehicle incorporates updates rolled out​ earlier this year, including a new front camera providing a wider view on the central display and the return of the steering column-mounted‌ indicator lever.

currently, the Model 3 range consists of:

* Model 3 Standard: €36,990
* Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD: €42,690
* Model 3 Premium Long Range AWD: €48,690
* ⁢ Model 3 Performance: €57,490

tesla states ‍the Standard model boasts a WLTP-rated range of 534 km and a consumption rate of 13.0 kWh/100 km, ​suggesting a battery capacity around 70 kWh – similar to the Model⁤ Y Standard. Power is delivered by a single rear electric motor ‍producing 290⁣ CV, enabling a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds.

Standard features ⁤include adaptive front ⁢lights that ⁤selectively dim to avoid glare,⁤ heated and electrically adjustable front seats​ upholstered in fabric, and Tesla’s Autopilot driver ⁢assistance system with provision for future automatic driving capabilities pending regulatory approval. Leasing and financing options ‌with a final ‌maxi installment are available in addition to direct purchase.

fighting erupted in eastern Congo‍ within hours of a ‌peace deal ceremony in Washington, D.C., as clashes continued Friday ⁢along the Kaziba, Katogota and ⁣Rurambo axis in the South Kivu​ province, according to a Congolese army spokesperson. The renewed conflict‌ underscores the fragility of efforts to resolve escalating tensions between the⁤ Democratic Republic of Congo​ and Rwanda.

While U.S. diplomacy paused escalation of fighting in ⁢eastern Congo, it failed to resolve ‍core issues,‍ with neither Congo nor Rwanda fulfilling pledges made in a June agreement, analysts say. videos circulating online Friday showed dozens of displaced families fleeing‌ on foot with their belongings​ and livestock near the town of Luvungi in South Kivu province; Reuters‌ has not yet authenticated the footage.

A Congolese army spokesman​ said Rwandan forces⁣ were bombing,causing population⁤ displacement in luvungi. “There is​ population displacement in Luvungi due ‍to Rwandan Defense Force bombardment. They are bombing blindly,” ⁣he ⁣said.

Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson ⁣for AFC/M23, stated, “Numerous homes have been destroyed, and women as well as children ‍have tragically lost⁤ their lives.” He added that​ forces loyal to the Congolese government “continued‍ their relentless attacks on densely populated areas ⁣of North⁤ Kivu and south Kivu, using fighter​ jets, drones and heavy artillery,” without providing ​an overall casualty toll. ⁢AFC/M23 is ⁤not bound by the terms‌ of​ any Congo-Rwanda agreement.A senior AFC/M23⁣ official, speaking anonymously, claimed rebel forces had retaken the town‍ of Luberika and shot down a Congolese army drone. “The war continues on the ground and has no connection with the signing of the agreement that took place yesterday in Washington,” he said.

Rwanda’s army and government spokespersons were not⁣ immediately available for comment. The conflict centers around the M23 rebel group, pictured in a recent photo watching ⁣over Congolese fighters, and is backed⁢ by‍ Rwanda.