Eighth-grade math scores in the United States have been declining since 2013, following a period of improvement, and have now reached their lowest point since the early 2000s, according to the Nation's Report Card. A new report by the Center on Reinventing Public Education offers several recommendations to address the math crisis, including blending traditional and progressive teaching methods, moving away from high-stakes student tracking and leveraging real-time data to guide interventions. The report also urges states and districts to set bold goals, make substantial investments and improve public transparency about student achievement.

An initiative to improve math scores in California's San Benito County has led to a more than 3% increase in math scores from the 2021-22 to 2023-24 school years. Developed by former math teacher and professor Phil Gonsalves, the program uses a four-part model to teach students multiple problem-solving methods. Teachers receive extensive training and support from math coaches.

Math educators are navigating the complexities of generative AI in the classroom, balancing the benefits of AI-powered edtech tools with concerns about accuracy, inclusiveness and utility. A Stanford University summit explored these issues, revealing that teachers value tools that are mathematically accurate, culturally relevant and efficient, but also face tensions between these criteria, such as the need for context-aware tools versus concerns about data privacy.

Woodcrest Elementary in Columbus, Ohio, has adopted a year-round calendar to combat pandemic-related learning loss and absenteeism, giving students five weeks off in July and shorter breaks throughout the year. Principal Yolanda Cooper says the model has helped students maintain academic progress, especially in math and reading, and has allowed teachers to better address early literacy skills.

AI systems consume significant amounts of water, with estimates showing that a short conversation with OpenAI's GPT-3 can use up to 500 milliliters, primarily for cooling data centers and powering servers. Water usage varies based on location, climate and the AI model used, with newer technologies like immersion cooling and Microsoft's zero-water cooling system offering potential reductions. This piece includes a simple three-step process to help individuals estimate their AI water footprint.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools has launched its first universal intervention program to support students with dyslexia, aiming to provide targeted reading help to nearly 5,000 children who show signs of the learning disability. The district will screen more students for dyslexia characteristics and implement small group tutoring sessions to address gaps in foundational reading skills and boost performance on state assessments.

The Department of Education has ended federal funding for deafblind projects in Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin and New England, citing a conflict with agency policy and priorities. The grants, totaling about $1 million, support about 1,365 children and their families with teacher training, family resources and educational materials. The decision is part of the Trump administration's effort to eliminate programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.