Latest news with #studentSuccess
SBS Australia
03-07-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
‘We know what works': Cultural belonging at heart of Indigenous student success
A landmark study has confirmed what many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have long known - when education is grounded in culture and community, our kids thrive. The Redefining Indigenous Success in Education (RISE) program has found that holistic, Indigenous-led support for high school students - including tutoring, financial aid, cultural activities and family engagement - is driving powerful shifts in attendance, wellbeing and confidence. Delivered by the Aurora Education Foundation across 47 schools in NSW, the five-year program is Australia's largest Indigenous-led education evaluation. With over 500 participating students, it's building a national evidence base for how schools can support Indigenous success. Aurora CEO Leila Smith, a Wiradjuri woman, says the results make it clear: 'Targeted, culturally grounded support works.' 'We now have the evidence to back what communities have long known,' Smith said. Aurora CEO Leila Smith says culturally grounded support helps Indigenous students feel proud, confident and connected in their education journey. 'Strong relationships, high expectations and systems designed with us can deliver real change.' The 2025 RISE Impact Report reveals that students in the most intensive version of the program - which combines tutoring with $1000 in financial assistance, cultural camps and family engagement - were more likely to feel connected, confident and engaged. Just 17 per cent said they wanted to stay home from school once or twice a week, compared to 35 per cent of students receiving only basic support. They were also more optimistic about their future, with 76 per cent saying they felt good about what lies ahead, while only 59 per cent of their peers in the lower-support program said the same. A stronger sense of belonging at school was also reported among those receiving more cultural and family-based support. While tutoring helps, Smith says support needs to go deeper. 'If they don't feel confident as an Indigenous person, or they're experiencing racism in the classroom, tutoring alone isn't going to cut through,' she said. The RISE program was co-designed with Elders, families and communities, centring Indigenous perspectives of what success looks like. It's this community-first, culture-strong approach that sets RISE apart — and shows real promise in shaping the future of education. 'The impact isn't just academic,' Smith says. 'It's emotional, cultural, and relational. When our kids see themselves reflected in school, they show up stronger - and they dream bigger.'
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Rainbow board OKs $266M budget with focus on student success
The exterior of the Rainbow District School Board office in Greater Sudbury, Ont. on August 2020 (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario) The Rainbow District School Board has approved a $266.4 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, with a planned withdrawal of $258,382 from reserves to balance expenditures. The amount falls within the one per cent limit of the board's operating revenue, as permitted by the Ministry of Education. Trustees also approved an in-year deficit plan to align spending with revenue. Budget focused on student success and well-being David Farrow - Rainbow District School Board An undated profile picture of Rainbow District School Board chair David Farrow. (File photo/Rainbow District School Board) Board Chair David Farrow said the budget prioritizes student achievement and well-being. 'We are proud of the programs that we offer inside and outside of the classroom,' he said in news release. 'Our instructional leaders, teachers and support staff give students every opportunity to achieve their full potential.' The budget accounts for inflationary pressures, including rising utility costs, and incorporates additional provincial funding for early reading, math, skilled trades, mental health, and school safety. Enrolment and funding breakdown Projected enrolment for the 2025-2026 school year is 14,196 students, based on historical retention rates, grade progression, and population trends. Core Education Funding from the province, which increased by approximately two per cent, supports six key areas: classroom staffing, learning resources, special education, school facilities, student transportation, and board administration. Adjustments include a new funding model for special needs equipment, continued support for transportation, and capital renewals for schools. Churchill Public School students Churchill Public School students Beren Kiziloglu, left, and Dacian Radu solve a math problem. (Supplied/Rainbow District School Board) Targeted funding through Responsive Education Programs will support early reading interventions, digital math tools, Indigenous graduation coaches, skilled trades, and mental health initiatives. Additional investments include early literacy screening for kindergarten to Grade 2 students, broadband improvements, and the installation of vape detectors in schools. Budget allocations and strategic priorities Salaries and benefits account for 76.7 per cent ($204.5 million) of the budget, while supplies and services – including facility maintenance and school technology – make up 7.8 per cent ($20.8 million). Another 7.7 per cent ($20.5 million) is allocated to fees and contracts, including student transportation. The board will also receive $15.7 million for school renewal projects. The budget supports the fourth year of the board's strategic plan, which focuses on student achievement, literacy and numeracy, Truth and Reconciliation, mental health, environmental sustainability, and equity. Programs and facilities In the upcoming school year, the board will operate 29 elementary and nine secondary schools across Sudbury, Espanola, and Manitoulin Island. It also oversees specialized programs, including mental health services, alternative education, Indigenous-led initiatives, and partnerships with institutions like Cambrian College. 'We are channeling funds into teaching and learning where they will have the greatest impact on student success,' Farrow said. The budget was approved during a special board meeting on June 24.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sakbun announces support of Vigo schools facilities plan
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun said Monday he supports the Vigo County School Corp.'s recently announced facilities reorganization plan. The first-term mayor praised it as a smart, data-driven student-focused step toward strengthening both education and the broader community. Sakbun commended the school corporation for its transparent and deliberate leadership, noting the plan has been shaped by thorough community input, data analysis and commitment to student success. 'They've listened to the community, analyzed the data and brought forward a plan that prepares us for the future,' Sakbun said in a news release. The quality of local schools plays a key role in shaping the city's economic development, workforce readiness and long-term growth, Sakbun said. School facilities must match the school corporation's excellence in educators and strong academic programs to meet modern expectations and ensure continued progress, he said. Recognizing this as a broader community responsibility, the mayor stressed that cities across Indiana are grappling with shifts in population, funding structures, and facility needs. 'This plan is strategic, responsible and what our community needs for our students now and in the future,' Sakbun said. 'Like many community members, I had some initial concerns, but I believe they have been thoughtfully addressed. 'The reality is that the school-age population in this community has decreased by almost 50% since the 1970s,' he continued. 'The proposed plan keeps the teacher-to-student ratio the same, adds additional academic and extracurricular programs, and modernizes facilities.' Sakbun, who graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School, said, 'While it pains me to see that the school I went to will change, I am excited to welcome new traditions.' The mayor asks residents to view video and information provided by the school district that provides information on funding and how legislation passed in 2009 is still creating challenges. That video can be seen at Sakbun also expressed confidence in Superintendent Chris Himsel and the school board and pledged to support the plan through infrastructure alignment, planning partnerships and public collaboration.
Forbes
26-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
College Student Persistence Rate Improves Again, Hits Nine-Year High
National college retention and persistence rates improved again last year, but part-time students ... More persisted at a substantially lower rate than full-time enrollees. More than 77% of the millions of students who entered college for the first time in the fall of 2023 returned to college for a second year or earned a credential within the year. That rate represents a slight uptick (0.3 percentage points) over the prior year, and it continues four consecutive years of improved persistence. The national first-year persistence rate is now at the highest level in the past nine years, according to the 2025 Persistence and Retention report, which was released today by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The report found that 69.5% of students entering college in fall 2023 returned to their starting institution for their second year (the retention rate), 0.4 percentage points higher than for the previous year's freshman class. An additional 8.1% transferred from their starting college and continued their enrollment at another institution in their second fall (yielding a persistence rate of 77.6%). The report is the latest in a NSCRC series tracking the percentage of students who stay in college after their initial semester. For the first time this year, the report tracks persistence and retention rates at two key points in time: first spring (re-enrollment in the spring term immediately following the first fall) and second fall (re-enrollment in the second fall term). NSCRC found that 83.7% of students entering college in Fall 2023 returned to their same institution in the Spring semester, while an additional 2.6% persisted in college but at a different institution than where they started. A total of 13.6% of the entering 2023 freshmen cohort was no longer enrolled in college by the spring term. 'We've been focused on second fall persistence for years, but that's too long to wait for many institutions, who seek earlier indicators of student success,' said Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, in a news release. 'Today's report helps schools focus on supporting students who are at risk sooner. This is especially important for part-time students, older students and those who start at community colleges, where first spring persistence rates are lower,' Shapiro added. Among fall 2023 starters, first spring persistence was 67.4% for part-time students, compared to 92.1% for their full-time peers. Part-time starters achieved a second fall persistence rate of only 53.2%, dramatically lower than the 84.4% persistence of full-time starters. Students who began at public four-year institutions had the highest one-year persistence rate at 87.2%. They were followed by those attending private, nonprofit four-year colleges (86.7%), public two-year schools (62.5%) and private, for-profit institutions (60.7%). The size of the persistence gap between part-time and full-time students also differed by institutional sector. Private for-profit schools had the smallest differences in persistence rates between part-time and full-time students (11.6 percentage points). In contrast, the private nonprofit 4-year sector exhibited the largest disparity, with a gap of 38.2 percentage points. Among full-time students starting college in Fall 2023, those aged 20 or younger had a spring persistence rate of 93.2%, compared to 79% for those aged 21–24 and 72.6% for those 25 or older. First spring retention rates followed a similar pattern. Students 20 or younger were retained at a 90.6% rate; retention was 77.6% for those 21–24, and 71.4 percent for those 25 or older. Women's second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that's been apparent for several years. Asian students had the highest second fall persistence rate at 89.6%, followed by white students (82.8%), internationals (76.4%), Hispanics (73.3%), Blacks (68.9%), Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (67.2%), and Native Americans (65.9%). Second fall persistence and retention rates increased for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in 9 of the top 10 most popular undergraduate majors. The notable exception was computer science, which was the only top-10 major field to see a decline in both second fall persistence and retention rates (persistence: 86.1%, -0.8 percentage points; retention: 78.1%, -0.8 percentage points). This same pattern also was found for first spring persistence and retention rates, where all top 10 major fields experienced either stability or growth — except computer science, which saw small declines. The NSCRC is the research arm of the National Student Clearinghouse. It collaborates with higher education institutions, states, school districts, high schools, and educational organizations to gather accurate longitudinal data that can be used to guide educational policy decisions. NSCRC analyzes data throughout the year from 3,600 postsecondary institutions, which represented 97% of the nation's postsecondary enrollment in Title IV degree-granting institutions in the U.S., as of 2020.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Radford University Partners with eCampus.com for Improved Access to Course Materials and Elevated Campus Store Experience
With an enhanced online platform for affordable course materials and a reimagined campus store, the partnership supports student success both online and on campus. LEXINGTON, Ky., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Radford University, a public institution located in Radford, Virginia, has selected as its official course materials partner. Starting July 2025, will assume management and operation of both the university's physical campus store and its comprehensive online bookstore platform, replacing the previous bookstore services provided by Barnes & Noble. This partnership aims to enhance the student experience by providing convenient and affordable access to course materials through a personalized online storefront, in addition to an enhanced retail shopping experience both in store and online. Together, Radford University and are committed to supporting the academic success and overall experience of the entire Radford community. "Radford University is looking forward to opening the new Highlander Bookstore in Dalton Hall and launching the new website on July 1," said Rob Hoover, vice president for finance and administration. "In addition to promoting the Radford brand in store, online and at events, our partnership with eCampus will lower the cost of textbooks and materials for students, as well as provide enhanced customer experiences for students, faculty and the whole campus community." After a thorough evaluation process, Radford University selected due to strong alignment with the university's mission to enhance the student and faculty experience. The partnership offers several key benefits, including exceptional 24/7 customer support, a broad selection of affordable textbook options, and the ability to meet increasing demand for digital content. Students will have convenient access to new, used, and rental textbooks, along with a wide variety of digital materials. Additionally, students will have access to an exclusive Marketplace, where they can purchase textbooks and course materials from third-party sellers at discounted prices. To streamline access to course materials, will integrate directly with Radford University's Student Information System, enabling a personalized ordering experience through Single Sign-On (SSO). This integration will allow students to order required and recommended textbooks and digital content conveniently during class registration, simplifying the process and reducing barriers. To further enhance convenience, will provide free shipping to Highlander Bookstore, the Radford University campus store, allowing students to pick up their course materials on campus at no additional cost. As part of this streamlined experience, textbook ordering will now be available exclusively online, ensuring greater selection and ease of ordering without the need to search store shelves. Further bolstering an improved experience, students can take advantage of a price match guarantee, ensuring the best price for course materials. In addition to student benefits, intuitive adoption platform provides faculty a streamlined adoption and analytics platform with the autonomy to select the most appropriate course materials, regardless of publisher or platform. The platform supports detailed adoption analytics and a student readiness dashboard, delivering real-time insights into student purchasing behavior. These tools enable faculty and administrators to make well-informed decisions that enhance student success. will also bring its retail management expertise to Radford University by taking over operations of the physical campus store, recently renamed as the Highlander Bookstore, which will open in July 2025. The store will be reimagined with an expanded selection of Radford University-branded merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and gifts to suit every budget. In addition to retail offerings, Highlander Bookstore will serve as a convenient service center for course materials, providing students with order pickup, seasonal buyback and rental return events, and on-site customer support to meet all textbook and course material needs. "Partnering with Radford University is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how next-generation hybrid bookstore services can drive academic outcomes and elevate Radford's strong brand," said Matt Montgomery, President and CEO of "From our industry-leading low cost rental program with no-cost campus pickup, we're redefining how students and faculty engage with course materials. When coupled with our dedication to a hyper-local campus retail operation that re-energizes the Radford Highlanders brand, is revitalizing the student and community experience." The Highlander Bookstore will officially open its doors on Radford University's campus on July 1, 2025 under management. About Radford University Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,812 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 75 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 19 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service. About is a premier online retailer of textbooks and digital course materials. Consistently exceeding industry standards, mission is to provide the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way for K-12 and higher education students to buy, rent, or sell textbooks and digital content. Founded on July 2, 1999, reshaped the textbook industry by taking the traditional college bookstore online. Remaining an edtech leader in future-proof course material solutions, serves over 400 schools, colleges, and universities. Their comprehensive course material solutions suite includes full-service online bookstores, inclusive access and equitable access programs, and expert campus store operations and management. Through products that simplify the adoption, management, and procurement of course materials, propels student success by delivering the right course materials, at the right time, and the right price. Learn more at and Press Contact: Tiffaney Lavoie, 859-514-6885, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE
