New School Leaders

Venture investors including Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen are funding a new academy designed as an alternative to traditional college, according to the Wall Street Journal. The school aims to give young people a pathway into careers, particularly in technology, without a university degree. Supporters see it as a challenge to the rising cost and value of higher education; critics question whether such programs can replace the breadth of a college education.

Geeta Swamy has been appointed Dean of Boston University's medical school, according to an announcement carried by The American Bazaar. The appointment places an Indian-American physician and academic leader at the head of one of the major US medical institutions. Coverage so far focuses on the announcement itself, with no further details provided in the available reports.

A dispute over whether New York's Hasidic yeshivas provide adequate instruction in English, math, science and other secular subjects remains unresolved. The issue, which has drawn state investigations and community pushback, continues to pit education officials against yeshiva leaders and their supporters.

A commentary in the Missouri Independent argues that Missouri should take the time to get its next education commissioner right, cautioning state leaders against rushing the selection process. The piece comes as the state's education department searches for new leadership, and it stresses that the choice will shape schools, teachers and students across Missouri for years to come.

Japanese film legend Haruki Kadokawa has released the trailer for what is billed as his final film as a director, 'Hoshi no Kyoshitsu' (Star Classroom), starring Hiyori Sakurada. The theme song is provided by the group Shinsei Kamattechan-adjacent idol unit New School Leaders. The announcement is drawing attention as the veteran producer and director caps a decades-long career in Japanese cinema.