By reviewing US state-level panel data on infrastructure spending and on per capita income inequality from 1950 to 2010, this paper sets out to test whether an empirical link exists between infrastructure and inequality. Panel regressions with fixed effects show that an increase in the growth rate of spending on highways and higher education in a given decade correlates negatively with Gini indices at the end of the decade, thus suggesting a causal effect from growth in infrastructure spending to a reduction in inequality through better access to education and opportunities for employment. More significantly, this relationship is more pronounced with inequality at the bottom 40 percent of the income distribution. In addition, infrastructure expenditures on highways are shown to be more effective at reducing inequality. By carrying out a counterfactual experiment, the results show that those US states with a significantly higher bottom Gini coefficient in 2010 had underinvested in infrastructure during the previous decade. From a policy-making perspective, new innovations in finance for infrastructure investments are developed, for the US, other industrially advanced countries and also for developing economies.

This study aimed to analyze government policies in education during the Covid-19 pandemic and how teachers exercised discretion in dealing with limitations in policy implementation. This research work used the desk review method to obtain data on government policies in the field of education during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, interviews were conducted to determine the discretion taken in implementing the learning-from-home policy. There were three learning models during the pandemic: face-to-face learning in turns (shifts), online learning, and home visits. Online learning policies did not work well at the pandemic’s beginning due to limited infrastructure and human resources. To overcome various limitations, the government provided internet quota assistance and curriculum adjustments and improved online learning infrastructure. The discretion taken by the teachers in implementing the learning-from-home policy was very dependent on the student’s condition and the availability of the internet network. The practical implication of this research is that street-level bureaucrats need to pay attention to discretionary standards when deciding to provide satisfaction to the people they serve.

This article aims to explain the principles of the leadership styles of madrasah heads in enhancing the quality of Islamic education in Lhokseumawe City. It turns out that the leadership of madrasah heads has a significant impact on the functioning of the madrasah leadership. The madrasah head plays a direct role in developing Islamic educational institutions through leadership characteristics, leader types, leader functions, and leader activities during their tenure as madrasah heads. A quantitative research method with a phenomenological approach is considered capable of addressing various issues in the research problem formulation. It simultaneously analyzes data obtained from observations, interviews, and in-depth documentation to find answers to the research problem. The research findings reveal that the leadership styles of madrasah heads can be divided into two categories: democratic leadership style and autocratic leadership style. The first principle of leadership style involves giving responsibilities and authority to all parties, encouraging active involvement in the organization. Members are given opportunities to provide suggestions, recommendations, and criticisms for the progress of the organization. The second principle, the autocratic leadership style, positions a leader as the source of policies.

Mathematics education is a comprehensive scientific system that holds significant importance in studying the seamless integration between university mathematics education and secondary mathematics education. This research paper delves into the challenges encountered during the transition from high school to university mathematics and offers analytical strategies and recommendations for both teachers and students. The objective is to enhance the continuity and coherence of mathematics education. Furthermore, tailored recommendations are provided to bridge the gap between high school and university mathematics education, taking into consideration the unique characteristics of students from different provinces and cities.

With the gradual acceleration of China's adaptation to the global environment, the country's demand for English talents is growing. In recent years, with the continuous innovation of the education system, English education in higher vocational colleges is also undergoing optimization and innovation. Language and literature are closely related. English language and literature education in higher vocational colleges aims to cultivate high-quality talents who can flexibly use English language and literature for communication. It can be seen that teachers in higher vocational colleges need to focus on cultivating students' application ability of English language and literature in the teaching process. By analyzing the current situation of English language and literature teaching in higher vocational colleges, this paper expounds its significance and puts forward corresponding countermeasures, hoping to promote the development and progress of English language and literature education in higher vocational colleges.

Taking learning as the basis, practice as the path, and competition as the promotion. In the process of coordination and unity of learning-practice-competition, it can promote students' learning motivation, strengthen students' practice motivation, and promote students' active performance in competition activities. Under the influence of positive self-efficacy performance, active sense of achievement, etc., it can promote students' interest and experience in sports activities, strengthen students' learning effects, and promote the active construction of high-quality sports classrooms in junior high schools. Next, this article will discuss the effective construction of a high-quality junior high school sports classroom under the background of the integration of "learning-practice-competition" based on its own junior high school physical education teaching practice.