We've all known kids who joke around in class, get up to mischief, and even skip school altogether, yet manage to ultimately thrive. But they are glaring exceptions. Classroom misbehavior and absenteeism, along with failing grades, are strong warning signs that a student is likely to repeat a grade or give up on school altogether down the line. In Latin America, where only 53% … [Read more...] about Text Messaging Parents to Boost Student Performance
Boosting Global Innovation in Education
As Covid-19 threatened the health and economic survival of millions of people around the world, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and the public sector rallied to make quick and decisive investments that have led to better treatments and vaccines that could soon turn the corner in the fight against … [Read more...] about Boosting Global Innovation in Education
Poor Health, Poverty and the Challenges of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean
On May 15th, 2020, there were 450,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 25,000 related deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the absence of a cure or a vaccine, countries in the region have resorted to lockdowns and physical distancing to reduce the rate of infection and avoid overwhelming national health systems. But the challenge of addressing the pandemic … [Read more...] about Poor Health, Poverty and the Challenges of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean
Gender Inequality in Latin America: The Long Road Ahead
Progress for women in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last few decades has been impressive. Many women now take center stage in the arts, business, music, politics, science and the sports world. Laws equally protect women, and the increase in their labor force participation has been rapid, rising 17 percentage points in the 25 years between 1990-2015 to more than … [Read more...] about Gender Inequality in Latin America: The Long Road Ahead
Persevere and Triumph: Teaching Grit and Patience for School Success
As parents, we want schools to teach values as well as academic subjects. We want them to impart to our kids qualities like patience and grit -- traits that experts in education have long understood to be as important to academic and professional achievement as the ability to do math and use language. Yet, despite parents' wishes, too little thought has been given as to how … [Read more...] about Persevere and Triumph: Teaching Grit and Patience for School Success