The Career Compass Coalition
Guiding and paving a path for high school students to explore career paths and achieve collegiate success.
Issue 01
The Impact of Music and Art on Teenage Learning
“Music and art are crucial in shaping teenagers' social, emotional, and cognitive development. While academic subjects focus on...”
Issue 02
Universities Are Facing Big Cuts to Research Funding at Duke, It's a Time for 'Damage Control'
“Duke University is bracing for significant reductions in research funding due to a new National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy that...”
https://thecareercompasscoalition.org/
Issue 07
Is Uniform a Killer of Individuality?
“The debate surrounding the enforcement of school uniforms in schools is a common topic among...”
Issue 06
The Debate Over Standardized Testing: A Necessary Measure or a Flawed System?
“For decades, standardized testing has been a reliable tool of the American education ”
Issue 08
The Implications of Assessing Studies in Language and Literature in the IB.
“Studies in Language and Literature is one of the core subjects in the IB program, it requires understanding of the authorial choices of a diverse range of...”
https://thecareercompasscoalition.org/
Issue 09
Navigating Change;
The Impact of New Policies on the
Department of Education
“The Department of Education, a branch of the United States government, establishes policies surrounding education-related programs...”
Issue 10
The Benefits of SocialEmotional Learning
“Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an essential aspect of education that focuses on developing students' emotional intelligence, selfawareness, and...”
Issue 11
9 SAT Tips from a 1570 Scorer
“As the school year comes to an end, many students about to enter their final years of high school are shifting their focus from in-school exams to standardized testing ”
https://thecareercompasscoalition.org/
in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Artificial Hearts and Robotic Procedures
“Cardiothoracic surgery has made incredible advancements in recent years, particularly...”
https://thecareercompasscoalition.org/
Finally, music and arts provide a well-rounded education beyond textbooks These activities offer teenagers essential life skills that benefit them in all ways possible, academically and personally. Encouraging students to explore the arts ensures they develop into well-balanced, creative, and emotionally intelligent individuals. Further, participating in music and art extracurriculars promotes social development, which helps build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging, essential for personal growth and feeling part of a larger community.
Universities Are Facing Big Cuts to Research Funding at Duke, It's a Time for 'Damage Control'
Journalist: Chinedu Abiaziem
Duke University is bracing for significant reductions in research funding due to a new National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy that caps indirect cost reimbursements at 15%, a drastic cut from the university’s previous rate of 61%. This change puts approximately $194 million in annual research funding at risk, threatening critical studies in cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, infectious diseases, and pediatric health
In response to the funding cuts, Duke has implemented immediate cost-saving measures, including hiring freezes, postponing expansion projects, and reducing Ph.D. admissions. University officials warn that if the cuts continue, staff layoffs may be necessary, further impacting faculty and students The uncertainty has also made it difficult for researchers to maintain lab operations and secure new funding for ongoing projects.
Beyond the university, the cuts could have a devastating effect on North Carolina’s economy Duke estimates that over 25,000 jobs in the state could be affected, resulting in at least
$5 billion in lost economic activity. The funding reductions could also slow medical advancements that benefit both the local community and the broader healthcare sector.
Duke administrators are actively working with other universities and higher-education organizations to challenge the NIH policy Several institutions and legal entities, including state attorneys general, have filed lawsuits to contest the reimbursement cap A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, delaying the cuts until further hearings take place.
As Duke navigates these financial challenges, university leaders emphasize the importance of securing sustainable funding solutions to protect research programs. The outcome of legal proceedings and ongoing advocacy efforts will be crucial in determining the future of research funding at Duke and other institutions nationwide.
results, and are more likely to pursue higher education, often fueled by healthy competitiveness and guidance from their schools. Such institutions are usually recognised for their academic rigor and promise, often promising a wide range of extracurriculars that can help their child develop the necessary interpersonal skills to be successful in the future. There are some practical benefits to living near good schools, too, as it helps reduce their commute times, making the trips easier for both the students and parents (who drop their children off) alike. Some expats may also look for residences near schools, as it can encourage community engagement and thus a smoother transition for families that are new to certain countries/areas.
The impacts
So then how exactly does this demand for good education impact property markets? Well, there seem to be varying effects all around the world, with a general trend:
South Korea: Despite the rental market in Korea having been facing a subtle nationwide reduction in rental and sale prices, the localities with many high rated schools or international schools did not face these price drops, and instead experienced a 4% hike in property prices. A leading cause for this seems to be increasing competiveness for enrollment in these schools, increasing demand for homes in close proximity
Switzerland: Geneva is known for its gorgeous sites and delectable foods, making it the perfect location for wealthy expat families to settle. As a result, they have some reputable international schools like the ‘Institut Le Rosey’ and the ‘International School of Geneva’, with competitive enrollment and high-quality education. As a result, homes near this area often sell out 20% faster than other regions in Geneva, making it easier for families to acclimate to new environments and avoid unnecessary commutes
Marbella: In recent years, this luxurious city has had an influx of affluent expats from neighboring countries move there or show interest in their real estate, due to the city’s incredible climate, cuisine and unique party culture for some In effect, the demand for international schools has increased, causing an increase in more opulent homes to best appeal to wealthy families, increasing the market price for such homes by barely 12.9%.
It is clear that the general impact seems to be an increase in the market prices for homes that neighbor high-rated or international schools, but may even influence the kind of residential facilities available near these schools. Educational facilities truly have the power to influence almost all areas of our lives - from our knowledge, to possibly our social skills, and now our homes
Journalist: Sofia Chambers
“Can there be art without an artist?”[1] When given this question, it illuminates the increasingly popular AI-generative image websites/ machines that have been good enough to win awards in significant artistic competitions, which qualified art judges view as another way to produce “digital art”. Nonetheless, some modern technological artists disagree with this statement for a number of good reasons.
Firstly, for artificial intelligence to develop the image, you have to type in a few sentences about the topic, style, and overall tone you want the piece to have, in contrast to human artists doing research on their own to establish more details in their art Mainly, this stark difference between the two approaches reflects the work's overall uniqueness and intimate perspective of the artist, compared to an overall perspective of facts universal to all.
required to interpret AI’s outputs.” This further provides an abstract understanding of the desireless nature behind generated art.
Ultimately, human made art can be more powerful in an emotional sense; it is imbued with intention, whereas AI-generated art only gathers information to formulate what the artist is trying to convey, and can also be easily replicated. It matters how you use the generator as a tool to create what an artist might want, or not use it at all, with the belief that AI art is not actual art at all
Funding Issues Persist in U K Further Education Institutes
Journalist:
Caylyn D.
Further Education (FE) Institutes in the U.K. are educational facilities that include post-secondary education that is not part of a graduate or undergraduate degree FE courses can vary widely, including A-levels, BTECs, technical/vocational courses, and more. FE courses are important to students to help progress after secondary school.
The FE sector has experienced a decline in funding in recent years. Between the 2010-11 and 2019-20 financial years, funding per student aged 16-18 fell by 14% in colleges and 28% in school sixth forms. In 16-18 funding, the Education and Skills Funding Agency is who supports FE providers. This decline can be due to many different reasons in today’s worldwide unstable economy, mainly inflation rates, and rising student numbers. There have even been
recent increases in per student funding, however, they have done very little to make up for the cuts in the past decade.
In the Autumn Budget 2024, the government announced a £300 million cash-terms boost to college and sixth-form funding. The Institute for Fiscal Studies calculated in January 2025 that the extra funding was only enough to deliver a real-terms freeze in funding per student, leaving college funding per student about 11% lower since 2010, and school sixth-form funding per student about 23% lower
May not accurately predict future academic or career success.
The Shift Away from Testing
In response to these concerns, some states and school districts are reevaluating their reliance on standardized exams. Massachusetts recently removed standardized testing as a high school graduation requirement, while certain schools in Los Angeles have been granted permission to opt out of testing altogether. These moves signal a growing trend toward alternative assessment methods that focus on a more holistic evaluation of student learning
As the education system evolves, the debate over standardized testing remains unresolved. While it offers a measurable way to track progress, its limitations continue to fuel discussions on how best to assess student achievement in a fair and effective manner.
Is Uniform a Killer of Individuality?
Journalist: Heritier.I
The debate surrounding the enforcement of school uniforms in schools is a common topic among students, educators, and parents alike
Many students would argue that mandatory uniforms stifle individuality and transform free-spirited, creative students into uniformed, cookie-cutter versions of themselves
Uniforms, in a sense, limit the personality of students and how much of it they can express.
Personal expression through clothing is an essential aspect of a person's identity and day to day life.This allows students to showcase their personalities and diverse backgrounds.
Especially for teenagers, who are in a crucial phase of developing their identities, the freedom to choose what to wear can significantly impact their confidence and self-esteem For
instance, a student who might express their passion for art through colorful or eclectic fashion choices may feel constrained in a monotonous uniform, leading to frustration and disengagement.
On the other hand, uniforms foster a sense of order and discipline within Learning environments. By implementing a uniform policy, schools can create a more focused atmosphere that minimizes distractions and competition based on clothing choices.Furthermore, uniforms can enhance school spirit and promote a sense of belonging among students, leading to a more cohesive community.
Moreover, When students wear the same attire, it can reduce social pressure related to fashion, allowing students to focus more on their studies and interpersonal relationships instead of their clothing choices. This can ultimately contribute to a more inclusive learning environment where students feel equal, regardless of their economic background. March Volume Issue 7
Whether or not uniform is a killer of individuality is debatable.However, the impact of school uniforms on students is an undeniable multifaceted issue that encompasses both the benefits of creating a structured educational setting and the concerns regarding individuality and self-expression Balancing these viewpoints on uniform can lead to a more thoughtful approach to uniform policies in schools
February Volume Issue 8
2) Internal Assessments (IAs)
Internal assessments are conducted by classroom teachers and vary by subject In Language and Literature courses, this often involves an Individual Oral (IO) examination, where students analyze chosen works and present their interpretations. The IO accounts for 30% of the final grade at Standard Level (SL) and 20% at Higher Level (HL).
Given the interpretative nature of literary analysis, these assessments can be subjective. To mitigate this, the IB implements a moderation process: samples of IAs from each school are reviewed by external IB examiners to ensure consistent and fair grading. If discrepancies are found, adjustments are made to align with IB standards
3) Linguistic and Cultural Considerations
The IB's global reach means assessments are conducted in multiple languages and cultural contexts. Ensuring that translated exam questions maintain the same level of difficulty and cultural relevance is complex Research has shown that while most exam questions perform consistently across languages, subtle differences can impact student responses To address this, the IB employs rigorous translation processes and continuously researches the effects of language on assessment outcomes. Conclusion
While the IB implements comprehensive measures to standardize assessments in Studies in Language and Literature, the inherent subjectivity in evaluating literary analysis, combined with linguistic and cultural factors, presents ongoing challenges.
Navigating Change; The Impact of New Policies on the Department of Education
Journalist: Krisha M.
The Department of Education, a branch of the United States government, establishes policies surrounding education-related programs Recently, this department has been undergoing a significant transformation, with several new policies being introduced. Over the past few months, students, educators, and parents have been introduced to various new changes, which differ from state to state. However, a few key policies include a reduction in workforce, elimination of DEI initiatives, and suspension of certain student loan repayment plans
Reduction in Workforce: The Department of Education has implemented a reduction in workforce, which is affecting nearly 50% of its staff. Approximately 1,300 employees are being laid off as a result of new policies surrounding student loans. The management and responsibility of student loan programs are being transferred to other federal agencies Supporters of the initiative say this will help increase the system’s efficiency, but critics say the new decision jeopardizes support for students and teachers.
Elimination of DEI: The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative helps promote fair treatment and equal participation among different groups of people in the United States. However, new policies have been leading to the dismantling of DEI, including the immediate dissolution of its Diversity and Inclusion Council. This act aims to end discriminatory practices based on race, but it may also mean less inclusivity and support for students of diverse backgrounds
Suspension of Student Loan Repayment Plans: The Education Department has also taken down online and paper applications for income-driven repayment plans. This decision also affects those who are currently enrolled in repayment plans, as they have to go through a recertification process to ensure that they still qualify for their plans If you or someone you know is being affected by new student loan initiatives, you can check with your loan servicer to know your options or look through state-specific resources.
Overall, the Department of Education has gone through massive changes in the past few months, which are reshaping the landscape of education. With every new change, students, teachers, and parents must stay informed on what is happening Preparation and flexibility might be needed with certain changes, so staying up to date with resources from trusted news websites, the Department of Education’s website, or other trusted sources is key.
beyond. These interpersonal skills contribute to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Academic performance is also positively impacted by SEL Studies have shown that students who participate in SEL programs tend to perform better in school, as emotional well-being plays a significant role in focus, motivation, and problem-solving When students feel emotionally secure and supported, they are more engaged in their learning and are better equipped to handle academic challenges.
Additionally, SEL promotes responsible decision-making. By teaching students how to evaluate situations, consider consequences, and make ethical choices, SEL helps them develop sound judgment. This ability extends beyond the classroom, influencing their behavior in real-world scenarios such as peer interactions, online communication, and future workplace environments.
Long-term, SEL fosters overall well-being and mental health. By providing students with coping strategies and emotional support from an early age, SEL reduces the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Students who are emotionally intelligent are more likely to form healthy relationships, handle stress effectively, and contribute positively to their communities
Ultimately, social-emotional learning is a crucial component of a well-rounded education It empowers students with the tools to navigate life's challenges, build meaningful relationships, and succeed both academically and personally By prioritizing SEL, schools can create a more supportive and enriching environment that prepares students not just for tests, but for life
9 SAT Tips from a 1570 Scorer
Journalist:
Swara S.
As the school year comes to an end, many students about to enter their final years of high school are shifting their focus from in-school exams to standardized testing. The most common is the SAT, offered 7 times throughout the year testing students’ verbal and math skills. Across the internet, there is a plethora of testing materials and resources that many high schoolers spend hundreds of dollars on to get their desired score I was personally able to surpass my target score before my junior year of high school without paying for resources by keeping in mind these key tips.
A graphic showing what composes of your total score. Source: UWorld
studying in December. It doesn’t reflect the real test as accurately but is a good alternative once you’ve worn out the resources on Bluebook. If you are looking to practice specific skills, the SAT Question Bank from CollegeBoard and Khan Academy modules are what I used to hone each domain and section
How do I maximize my math section score?
The SAT math section consists of four domains: Advanced Math and Algebra (35% each), and Geometry and Problem-Solving/Data Analysis (15% each). Each domain is divided into a few skills which makes it easy to identify shortcomings; your performance on each skill is outlined in your score report, so take advantage of it to target what you need to improve on the most The math section is largely conquerable using Desmos, which is built-in on the platform Learning how to use Desmos will be instrumental, but many of the questions will take less time by hand; it is thus immensely crucial to have a solid understanding of algebra and geometry to maximize your score. Khan Academy was what I used to build my skills, and I think it covers pretty much everything you need to know for the test
How do I tackle vocabulary questions?
The most common type of question on the verbal section of the SAT are ‘Words in Context’ questions. They’re generally one of the first types you’ll see, and you’ll probably encounter 10-12 of them throughout the 54 questions in the reading section. It is impossible to know what list they pull vocabulary words from, and it’s also impractical to go through hundreds of flashcards to fleetingly memorize words My biggest tip is to grow your vocabulary naturally Reading consistently will be transformative to your score; even if you’re not into reading books,
prioritize reading one higher-level news article a day. (The Washington Post, New York Times, Reuters, etc.) This not only naturally grows your vocabulary, but improves your reading comprehension which is beneficial for other parts of the test. Knowing Greek and Latin stems are also helpful, but not necessary if you haven’t learned them already I did learn Greek and Latin stems in previous grades, which was valuable for identifying definitions of words, but as long as you're growing your vocabulary naturally, you should be able to identify unfamiliar terms using comprehension strategies.
How do I maximize my reading section score?
In terms of reading passages, they can be very lengthy to get through and it might be difficult to visualize what's happening (especially in passages that involve scientific experiments). I recommend looking at the question first, understanding what you're trying to look for, and annotating the passage for that concept. If it helps, you can also take short bullet-point notes on the contents of the passage which can help digest the information in your own words I also recommend trying to look for specific supporting evidence from the text to directly support an answer choice If you're stuck between multiple answers, I recommend trying to find something wrong with each one instead of trying to find one right answer. Once you've ruled out what's wrong with three answer choices, you'll be left with the correct one.
How do I maximize my writing section score?
The good news about the grammar domain of the writing section is that the SAT follows a strictly delineated set of rules I used my previous understanding of grammar as well as the Khan Academy tips to gain a better understanding of what they test for I also recommend
looking at The Critical Reader’s grammar tips for a holistic overview of exactly what they test on. These questions take the least amount of time, so it is helpful to know the rules intrinsically so you can go through these questions quickly and spend more time on reading.
How does superscoring work? How can I take advantage of it?
If you take the SAT multiple times, you can take advantage of superscoring; this is when you combine your high section scores to form a better holistic score. I used superscoring to get my score of 1570 The first time around, I was better at math and I got a 790; I did not feel like I needed to improve upon it, but I did know that I could improve upon my English score, so I focused on that the second time I took it and I got a 780 on English. I conquered both sections separately, which helped me focus on each domain more in-depth. Most colleges in the US accept super scoring (or something very similar) so it is worthwhile to check out if you feel like you are stronger at one section than another right now This way, you can focus on the other section and hopefully get a better score later on I elected not to take the SAT a third time because every school I'm considering (except for UT Austin, but my single-sitting score was above their average so I didn't feel like I needed to take it again) accepts a super score, so it can save a lot of time.
How can I achieve my target score in time?
If possible, I recommend getting the SAT out of the way before your junior year of high school I started in my sophomore year because I had completed pre-calculus and I felt like I knew enough English to take the test; I took the SAT right around when sophomore year ended, which worked out because I am able to spend junior year on school, work, and extracurriculars.
When I was preparing, I crammed a little bit for the test (which I don't recommend); I only spent about 2 weeks studying, but I was spending a good 2 hours a day on it. I recommend starting around a month and a half before your test so that you only have to spend a couple of minutes per day practicing skills, and reserving time on select weekends to complete a practice test every two weeks or so The most important part is to have a plan, and not chip away at resources blindly.
What if the SAT isn’t for me?
Exploring other options shouldn’t be a daunting idea; the SAT is only one part of your college applications, which is only one part of your academic career. Truthfully, while it is certainly possible to raise your score significantly by studying the right techniques, there may be other options to consider if you feel stuck at a crossroads. The ACT is the other common standardized test and is accepted by all schools that accept the SAT It is a bit of a longer test, but in my experience, it tests your content knowledge a bit more than how the SAT tests you (which we’ve established is more so your test-taking and reasoning abilities). You’ll see less of the logical/conceptual questions that the SAT has, but slightly more advanced math concepts; it’s best to go into the ACT with a solid foundation in precalculus. The ACT has more sections than the SAT, testing your reading, writing, science, and math skills Generally, people are more adept at one or the other, (which has no correlation to their intellectual abilities) so it may be worth it to explore the ACT I found myself to be much more comfortable with the SAT versus the ACT, even though I don’t necessarily consider myself naturally good at one or the other. It’s all a matter of how you think through things and what you feel works best for you. Both tests are given equal weightage by scholarships and colleges, so it may be worthwhile to explore both options.
incisions, which means less pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications. For example, robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) allows for more precise movements, reducing the risk of errors and improving patient outcomes Studies show that robotic-assisted surgeries result in a 31% reduction in hospital stay length and a 20% decrease in post-operative complications compared to traditional open-heart procedures (Citizens Hospitals).
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also transforming modern heart surgery AI can analyze patient data to help doctors make better decisions about treatment plans, predict complications, and improve overall surgical success rates. Research has found that AI-assisted imaging improves diagnostic accuracy in cardiothoracic surgery by up to 15%, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures (PMC). While this technology is still developing, it has the potential to revolutionize the field and make surgeries safer and more effective.
These advancements in cardiothoracic surgery are bringing new hope to millions of patients worldwide As technology continues to improve, heart disease treatment will become safer, more efficient, and more accessible, changing lives for the better.
