Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments in education. image Persisting inequalities in college admissions As university application season in the United States unfolds, many low-income and first generation college applicants continue to face obstacles in navigating numerous administrative hurdles in the admissions process, exacerbated by the pandemic. Wealth and class divides continue to grow at institutional levels, with Ivy League and other top universities experiencing a record surge in applicants while state colleges and less prestigious institutions face an alarming drop in prospective students; many brace for long-term financial distress, some may even close permanently. Even in Japan, recent surveys report an alarmingly growing acceptance of the unequal access to higher education, as rising income disparity cements a trend of the wealthy inheriting rights and access to privatised education in order to succeed in competitive university admissions. If existing trends of inequality favouring privileged individuals and institutions continue, mid- to low-income and achievement students could be crowded out as more schools close and fewer students overcome barriers to higher education, perpetuating a vicious cycle of education disparity. Education in the Spotlight The New York Times: A college programme for disadvantaged teens could shake up elite admissions An education programme is immersing underprivileged students in Ivy League classes, and the students’ success has raised questions about how elite university gatekeepers determine college prospects. Inside Higher Ed: ‘Failure to disrupt’, learning at scale and Higher Ed after COVID-19 Why you should read Justin Reich’s essential new book before planning your school’s next big educational technology-related initiative. The Conversation: 5 ways for teachers to build a good rapport with their students online Of all the things needed for academic success, one of the most essential is for students to have a good rapport with their instructors. This is particularly true in the digital classroom, where research has shown that students who have a good rapport with their teachers are more likely to stick with a class and get good grades. Huffington Post: How the pandemic has altered school discipline – perhaps forever Remote learning violations, mask-wearing offenses and an opportunity to rethink harsh punishments: how are schools re-examining student discipline in the pandemic? The Jakarta Post: Indonesia’s special needs children struggle for proper online education Remote learning curricula for special needs children are not well adapted, leaving many parents to fill in the gaps. Bloomberg Green: China teaches kids its own version of the climate change story Students are encouraged to shrink their carbon footprint, not question how the country should decrease its environmental impact. Brookings: Why is girls’ education important for climate action? Christina Kwauk reviews the three ways that girls’ education can strengthen climate strategies.