In a global McGraw-Hill poll, more than half of educators said that issues at home, insufficient family support and other external influences are the "largest obstacles to student success."

Standing in the front of his Lorton, Virginia, classroom, Sean Miller told his students that food would be a topic of conversation during the class period. He also said they would talk about the types of goods that emerged in ancient East and West Africa. Part of that would involve how the influence of gold shaped the development of certain African empires.

Denver Public Schools launched Acceleration Academies that pair students who are significantly below grade level with paraprofessionals who are receiving coaching and professional development.

Rochester Public Schools is formalizing guidelines crafted last fall guiding administrators on everything from using preferred student pronouns to providing comfortable changing rooms and bathrooms for kids.