Young students are still struggling to bounce back academically from the pandemic, even though many were babies at the time. In new data from research and testing company NWEA, first and second graders are scoring below kids pre-pandemic in math and reading. Math scores have risen a little each year. Reading scores have stayed flat. Researchers say the problem looks bigger than impacts from the pandemic. They point to emerging data that suggest parents are reading less to kids. Some districts say stronger phonics lessons and frequent check-ins help reading recover. And some states are expanding pre-K to boost early literacy.
Community safety will always require trust, cooperation, and judgment. AI simply adds sharper awareness to that foundation. And sometimes, seeing a risk a little earlier makes all the difference.
Doctors often advise exercising your brain to stay sharp but stretching your brain might be the better description. Research increasingly shows a variety of habits and hobbies offer a helpful cognitive workout. One recent study linked lifelong learning — things like reading, learning another language, playing chess — to slower cognitive decline, even postponing Alzheimer's for a few years. It's not proof. But experts say lifestyle changes that also include physical exercise, controlling blood pressure, good sleep and even a shingles vaccination offer a chance at slowing deterioration as we get older.
