Highlights of the week ending 19 February 2021
This week the Government proposed “tougher legal measures” to strengthen free speech and academic freedom at England’s universities. As part of the proposals, the Education Secretary set out his desire to appoint a new Free Speech and Academic Freedom Champion who would sit on the board of the OfS.
Meanwhile, the Education Select Committee launched a new inquiry into children’s homes as part of its continuing work examining the issues faced by left behind groups.
Elsewhere The Education Policy Institute published a report, which compares the education catch-up plans of the four UK nations. The report found that all four nations’ catch-up plans are insufficient to meet the scale of learning loss following the pandemic.
Last, but by no means least, Pearson launched a new consultation seeking the views of parents, students, educators and employers on how the assessment system can be “fit for the 21st century”.
Future of Qualifications and Assessment research project
Speaking about the launch, Pearson President, Rod Bristow said that we “have responsibility to look further ahead and use this unique moment to consider all of the issues.”