Students often don't see the relevance of math when it's taught with abstract concepts rather than illustrated with real-life usage, such as a nurse measuring amounts of medicine. When instruction switches to career-based math, students see the connections and are more engaged and less likely to struggle with or fail college algebra -- a typical stumbling block to degree completion, write Victoria Ballerini of the Strong Start to Finish Initiative, Ann Edwards of WestEd and the Carnegie Math Pathways and Katherine Arrington of NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education.

A study by NWEA finds that students' math performance declines as temperatures rise, with test-day temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit leading to lower MAP Growth scores, particularly in high-poverty schools, where air conditioning may be inadequate. The study recommends scheduling tests around weather conditions and investing in updated HVAC infrastructure.

Student-led parent-teacher conferences are increasing parent attendance and student engagement at schools such as Open World Learning Community in St. Paul, Minn., and Friends School of Baltimore. Friends School, a private school, starts student-led conferences as early as kindergarten, emphasizing goal-setting and presentation skills.

Teachers who use class openers, collect regular feedback, give low-stakes quizzes and ensure brain breaks are using brain science to aid in teaching. Understanding the neuroscience of cognitive functions such as memory, attention and emotion can lead to meaningful shifts in classroom strategies, resulting in improved student outcomes in math, reading and empathy.

A study by researchers from the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics in Morocco highlights the transformative impact of AI, the Internet of Things and human-computer interaction on special education. The study discusses how these technologies enhance accessibility and personalized learning for students with disabilities. However, challenges such as cybersecurity risks and the high cost of assistive tools remain significant barriers, the study notes.