Worcester School Committee Member Confirms the Student Achievement on the MCAS Exam

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Contributor

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering America News

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Image Source: Spectrum News

Worcester, Massachusetts - A Worcester School Committee member is working on a plan developed by the administration to address student achievement, following the district's recent MCAS results. Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System scores for the 2024-25 school year showed major adjustment throughout Grade 3 to Grade 8, and decreased in Grade 10. Alex Guardiola reported it, suggesting that numbers approach pre-academic levels; however, there is plenty of room for academic improvement. The 2024-25 sessions reached the first year in which high school students are no longer pass this standardized test to earn their high school diploma. Guardiola reported that he district has to play a major role in helping students to be prepared for the real world.

“Those are students that we really need to make sure are getting career and real life ready, whether they’re going on to a traditional two or four year college or they’re going into the workplace with a trade or just in general. We need to make sure they have all the tools to be successful after graduation,” said Guardiola. “So, looking for some school level data showing performance trends and growth, especially among English learners, students with disabilities and other high need populations.”

Following the release of these statistics, Worcester Public Schools' Superintendent, Brian Allen, explained that the test results review showed that there is plenty of work that needs to be addressed, as the majority role for the school's district in order to encourage students to be successful.

U.S. Weighs Stake in Greenland Rare Earths Project Amid Strategic Push

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: Jarrett Renshaw, and Gram Slattery/File Photo

The Trump administration is in talks to take an equity stake in Critical Metals Corp. (CRML.O), which controls Greenland’s largest rare earths project, according to four people familiar with the discussions. If completed, the deal would give Washington a direct interest in the Tanbreez deposit, a site that has drawn global attention since former President Donald Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019.

The negotiations follow Washington’s recent investments in Lithium Americas and MP Materials, underscoring efforts to secure supply chains for critical minerals essential to technologies ranging from electric vehicles to missile systems. Rare earths are a key focus for Western governments seeking to reduce dependence on China, which dominates global extraction and processing.

Critical Metals acquired Tanbreez last year for $5 million in cash and $211 million in stock. The company has since applied for a $50 million grant under the Defense Production Act. In recent weeks, administration officials have discussed converting that grant into an equity stake, potentially around 8% of the company, though the size and structure remain under negotiation. Sources said warrants and a possible $120 million loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank are also part of the talks.

A senior administration official, asked about the discussions, stressed that “nothing is close with this company at this time.” Critical Metals did not respond to requests for comment.

The Tanbreez project, expected to cost $290 million to develop, aims to produce 85,000 metric tons of rare earth concentrate annually by 2026. The site also contains gallium and tantalum, metals with growing strategic importance.

Despite its potential, Greenland’s mining sector has faced investor hesitation, environmental scrutiny, and logistical challenges. U.S. officials, however, see the project as part of a broader push to build secure mineral supply chains away from Chinese control.

No Signs of Life Found at Collapsed Indonesian School, 59 Still Missing

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency

Rescuers have reported finding “no signs of life” under the wreckage of a collapsed Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, where 59 people remain missing, officials said Thursday.

The two-storey school, crowded with hundreds of students mostly teenage boys collapsed on Monday while two additional floors were under construction. At least five students were killed, and roughly 100 others injured. Since the disaster, 13 people have been freed from the rubble, though two later died in hospital.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by the building’s instability. Authorities had earlier reported hearing cries and shouting from under the debris, raising hopes for survivors. However, thermal drones used overnight failed to detect any signs of life.

“Scientifically, no signs of life were found,” said Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNBP), at a press conference. He explained that teams would now move to the next phase of operations, using heavy equipment to lift or cut concrete slabs a task previously delayed due to fears of further collapse.

Anxious relatives have remained at the site, holding out hope for their missing loved ones. “I am hoping for the best news, that my brother survives,” said Maulana Bayu Rizky Pratama, whose 17 year old brother is still unaccounted for. Ahmad Ikhsan, 52, expressed similar hope for his son.

Investigations revealed that the building’s foundation could not support the additional floors. Sidoarjo town authorities also said the school management had not obtained the necessary permits for the construction work.

The tragedy has highlighted safety concerns in rapidly developing areas, with questions now focusing on construction oversight and regulatory enforcement in Sidoarjo.